Utility Week

26 | 16TH - 22ND MARCH 2018 | UTILITY WEEK Operations & Assets Comment Bob Gallienne F or utilities to deliver the scale of infrastructure enhancement necessary to drive up productivity and create economic growth at a national level, street works are essential. While all utilities recognise that work in the street can be frustrating for the public, as an industry we are committed to minimising occupation of the road, reduc- ing disruption for road users and communicating better the benefits that the works are delivering. But the Department for Transport's recent announce- ment that it intends to expand lane rental schemes across the country, charging utilities and their contrac- tor partners up to £2,500 a day to access the highway in some areas and at certain times, will do little to reduce congestion and will make it harder and more expensive for utilities to deliver vital infrastructure. Lane rental does not provide any tools that do not already exist. It is an additional unnecessary instrument that makes it harder and more expensive to deliver des- perately needed infrastructure, while failing to address the main sources of disruption. Local authorities already have the powers – and indeed the duty – to manage and co-ordinate street works through permit and notic- ing schemes, but the quality of their performance in this regard varies widely across the country. The government's own analy- sis, which was carried out by independent consultants, of the two pilot schemes in London and Kent found no causal evidence that lane rental schemes reduce congestion. The priority should be on ensur- ing that existing schemes and policies work as effec- tively as possible, eradicating the vast range of var- iance that has been allowed within the existing permit schemes. This would reduce the cost overhead, provide a consistent approach and enable clear accountability and performance comparison. Street Works UK would like to see a streamlined set of no more than half a dozen schemes that can be used nationally. Collaboration with highways authorities will remain essential. While we do not believe lane rental is the best solu- tion, we will continue to work closely with the govern- ment as it develops guidance for local authorities on how they can apply to set up a lane rental scheme. We want to ensure the proposals are implemented in a manner that is built on a minimum number of well-run, effective permit schemes, which reduces complexity, recognises the need for consistency, and is only used as a targeted, proportionate intervention. It is key that schemes must fulfil a number of condi- tions before they can be approved by the secretary of state. It will be critical for the industry to shape these criteria and ensure they are robust enough. There must be strong governance in place where schemes are established. This will require the Depart- ment for Transport to take an active role in monitoring how schemes are operating and whether they are having the benefits predicted. Annual reviews of the schemes must have evidence and transparency at their heart, and must fully involve utilities. It is essential that they do not become a "box- ticking" exercise or, as in the case of permits, respon- sibility is devolved and essential principles become blurred. It is welcome to see the government recognise that lane rental schemes must support the delivery of national infrastructure projects, such as broadband. The most effective way to guarantee this would be a clear commitment in the detailed guidance that there will be an exemption from lane rental charges for such projects. The sector is currently engaged in delivering the largest programme of works this country has seen for a generation, as well as undertaking vital work to upgrade and maintain existing infrastructure. Broadband deliv- ery, the electric vehicle charging infrastructure rollout, a mass housebuilding programme: these are key govern- ment priorities. The Department for Transport's agenda must encour- age and support this vision, not make it harder for utilities and their contractor partners to achieve it. We're looking forward to working with government to achieve our shared objectives. Bob Gallienne, chief executive, Street Works UK "Lane rental is an instrument that makes it harder and more expensive to deliver desperately needed infrastructure."

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