City of Wolverhampton Council hopes to introduce a highway permit scheme to improve the management of roadworks across the city.

Working together with Black Country authorities, the City Council is seeking to introduce a permit to be obtained before specified works are carried out on the public highway network.

The new approach will lead to better co-ordination of all works, and closer monitoring of those who are responsible for installing and maintaining highways' and utilities' infrastructure, and their contractors.

The introduction of a permit scheme will empower highway authorities to impose conditions relating to traffic management, diversions and working hours, and the associated permit fee would provide a mechanism to fund the service. The scheme aims to:

§  Reduce disruption and inconvenience caused by roadworks on the highway

§  Protect the structure of the street and the apparatus belonging to utility companies and other parties

§  Ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and staff working on the highway

§  Help the council provide better information for road users about work on the highway.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment at City of Wolverhampton Council said: “We have exciting future plans for Wolverhampton and it is hugely important to our community, visitors, businesses and transport services that we keep our city moving.

"Through the introduction of a permit scheme, we will have greater control over the works to ensure the network is effectively managed.

“The new scheme will help the council to reduce disruption and improve journey times for all road users as well as being able to keep residents and highway users up to date about any planned works to reduce impact whilst essential works take place."

The City Council is currently consulting with key stakeholders until the consultation ends on 11 January 2019.