Tuesday 23 September 2014
After careful consideration, the Environment Department has decided to defer introducing the collection of charges for the co-ordination of roadworks in the Island.
Proposals for collecting these charges were first considered by the Environment Department Board in 2013 and were based upon the view that a charging system would contribute to the efficient management of road closures primarily by ensuring that contractors expedited works. It was considered that charging for the service would induce those seeking to carry out road works to minimise disruptive closures and diversions or face penal costs. The scale and structure of the charges needed to be such as to incentivise the adoption of alternative work systems such as over time working, double ganging and other innovative methods, in order to avoid the charges.
The constraints of the law and the difficult administrative burden that such a charging system would require, resulted in amendment of the proposals away from penal charging towards a cost recovery approach.
The Department has developed a scheme that is both fair and workable and capable of delivering the objective of cost recovery. However, it is recognised that the costs will likely be offset onto the utility providers' customers and that the charges are, of themselves, unlikely to bring about a change in the working practices adopted by those who close the roads. Whilst the utility companies have argued that they are as efficient and effective as they can be when closing roads and create the least disruption possible, the Department considers that there is scope for further discussion and investigation before proceeding with introducing the charging regime developed.
However, it is important that the resources of the Department are, at this time, focused upon the demands of the Road Transport Strategy and other priority work areas and with this in mind, the scheme for collecting road works coordination charges will be set aside. Whilst the Department will continue to explore with the utility companies ways of reducing the impact of road closures, it is unlikely that a decision on whether or not to introduce charges and whether or not those charges should be penal will be considered during this term of Government.
Notwithstanding this decision, the Environment Department will continue to work closely with the utilities and other organisations involved in road works in order to minimise disruption for the travelling public.
Contact Information:
Denise Quevatre, PA to the Chief Officer
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
