Council Faces Criticism Over Roadworks Delays

Reading Borough Council has been grilled over delays getting powers to impose tighter controls on overrunning roadworks.

Utility firms must notify the council about roadworks. Examples include the junction by the old Whitley Library, closed for Thames Water works, and ongoing notifications to close the Bennett Road - A33 junction since October 18 last year. While drivers can access businesses, the junction was closed except for an exit onto the A33 southbound only in June.

Although the council could exercise more controls by becoming a 'permitting authority', that move has been delayed.

Councillor Rob White (Green, Park), leader of the main opposition party, said: "Residents and businesses across Reading continue to face disruption from roadworks, particularly where works overrun, are extended, or where utility companies carry out works on the same stretch of road in quick succession.

"Obviously, work by utility companies is necessary. However, many Councils have succeeded in reducing the disruption from roadworks.

"The council has previously indicated its intention to become a permitting authority, which would give it greater control over when and how roadworks are carried out and allow conditions to be placed on works to reduce disruption.

"However, this has been delayed many times.

"What does the council currently measure in relation to roadworks, particularly delays, overrunning works and disruption to residents and businesses, and how have those measures changed over the last three years?"

The question was answered by John Ennis, lead councillor for transport. Cllr Ennis (Labour, Southcote) said: "I understand and empathise with the disruption that can be caused by roadworks.

"It is unfortunate that, in addition to being the land that we use to travel, the highway is also the primary location for these services.

"This inevitably leads to temporary disruptions when they require maintenance or replacement.

"We monitor various criteria relating to road works. I am pleased that the average duration of roadworks has been decreasing over the last three financial years, although the number of works, and durations will always fluctuate, based on demand, investment and regional or national programmes.

"We undertake random sample inspections, and these are showing a high compliance rate of 90 per cent for inspected works sites and reinstatements.

"We will charge utility companies who are found to be overrunning their notified works durations.

"I remain concerned that 20-30 per cent of all works activities appear to be related to urgent works involving service provision failures.

"This is perhaps a reflection of the age of some of the infrastructure in Reading, the high demand on those services, and the need for more proactive upgrades."

Cllr Ennis said the council is committed to implementing a permit scheme in the near future and would provide an update in six months after Cllr White asked for a timetable.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter