CLEOBURY Mortimer’s MP is supporting a Shropshire Council permit scheme that will change the way roadworks are managed in the county.
Under the new scheme, utility companies will submit a permit application to Shropshire Council for work on public roads, which then will be assessed and either approved, refused or amended to reduce disruption.
Any cost to the council for input or disruption would be covered by the associated permit charge.
Conservative MP Philip Dunne said: “Shropshire Council are right to take this step to ensure value for money for the taxpayer.
“Costs for assessing applications for work on local roads will form part of the cost of a permit, representing a substantial saving for the council.
“Shropshire Council were the first rural authority to actively start implementation of a permit scheme and I am glad that they are being proactive and are finding innovative ways to balance their books and run services on a cost-neutral basis.”
He added: “I hope this new scheme will also help utilities companies co-ordinate works to minimise disruption to our communities in Shropshire.”
Shropshire Council has submitted a formal application to the Department for Transport to become a permitting authority and a provisional start for the scheme is planned for April, 2014.
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