Surrey Taskforce Wants Better Systems To Reduce Disruption Cause By Roadworks

Published on: 7 Apr, 2025
Updated on: 7 Apr, 2025

A Surrey taskforce is calling on the Government to introduce better systems that will reduce the disruptive effect that emergency utility works have on road users.

Surrey’s plan would enable local communities to be forewarned about roadworks and for the works to be coordinated, wherever possible, to reduce disruption and deliver financial savings.

The taskforce, set up by Surrey County Council, has put forward a recommendation to the Department for Transport to allow for changes to the digital service used in England by local highway authorities, utility companies and their contractors to manage street and roadworks.

The intention is that advanced warning of emergency roadworks can be shared with local network management teams before they begin.

The taskforce consists of Surrey County Council, National Highways, Cadent Gas, Scottish and Southern Energy, Affinity Water, SES Water, Southeast Water and Virgin Media.

In addition to this recommendation, Surrey County Council has proposed further improvements in legislation for street works to the Secretary of State for Transport including:

• Mandatory on-site signage for emergency works to explain delays
• Improved information for road users
• More rapid completion of works to reduce the length of disruption and support economic productivity
• The introduction of an Independent Roadworks Commissioner and more powers for industry regulators to track street works compliance and performance
• Consideration of the impact on walkers and cyclists as well as motorists
• Timely repairs to failing utility company frames and covers on the highway

Surrey county councillor Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Utility companies’ demands in Surrey are amongst the top five highest in the UK, with 88 works starting every day in the last twelve months. Whilst we recognise that works on the highway carried out by utility companies are necessary, these works are all too often impacting negatively on Surrey road users.

Cllr Matt Furniss

“We’re working with utility companies to drive better traffic management, better coordination, and better resident communication, and I’m pleased that they are supportive of our key proposals to improve the management of emergency works.

“We’ve also introduced a lane rental scheme where we charge organisations for the time their roadworks create delays on the highway during peak hours on busy roads, to encourage faster project completion and off-peak work schedules, to reduce disruption.

“I welcome the Transport Select Committee’s inquiry into the impact of street works and hope our proposals will help shape future reform for the benefit of Surrey’s residents, and beyond.”

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