Shropshire Council

Permit scheme performance report

This page details our Permit Scheme Performance and Evaluation Report for year three (2016/17) of the operation of the West and Shires Permit Scheme.

The third year of operation of the scheme has continued to highlight some significant positive outcomes that represent real benefits to the people and businesses of Shropshire alike, for example:

  • An average reduction in works durations in year 3 compared to year 2, resulting in a saving of 2,134 days of highway occupation
  • An estimated 600 collaborative activities took place, resulting in a further saving of 2,400 days of highway occupation. These savings in highway occupation equate to an estimated saving to the local economy in excess of £1million, and have helped to reduce the impact of works on motorists and other road users
  • A reduction in the numbers of cancelled permits in year 3 compared to year 2 is another encouraging outcome of the permit scheme as it is an indication of improved works planning by works promoters
  • A clear downward trend in the numbers of interim to permanent reinstatements in year 3 compared to year 2. This clearly demonstrates the emphasis the Council places on reducing the disruption and inconvenience caused by roadworks, by driving the use of first time permanent reinstatements
  • An improved inspections regime and full team of inspectors has meant that inadequacies on site are being identified and corrected more rigorously, helping to ensure the safety of the public

Whilst the management of road and street works and other highways activities has continued to improve in year three of the operation of the WaSP scheme, it is recognised that there are improvements still to be made, such as:

  • Continue to consolidate and build upon the number of joint occupations of the highway and assist in the direction of timing, to maximise the amount of time the highway is available for use
  • Continue to work with all work promoters in improving the quality and timeliness of information
  • Shropshire will also work with all promoters in improving performance in relation to Category A, B & C inspections, as well as further driving the use of first time permanent reinstatements
  • Improve recording and measuring of performance data in relation to the highway authority works, such as early starts, Section 74s and FPNs, in order to further drive performance and parity of treatment
  • Shropshire is committed to carrying out an annual fee review whilst the WaSP scheme is in operation to ensure that a balance is maintained between permit fee income and costs incurred in dealing with utility promoter permits
  • The council will also undertake a detailed review of the road network in terms of the asset data held against each street. Improving the quality of information relating to how the road is constructed, what engineering difficulties exist, materials used, etc. will allow more effective planning and co-ordination of works