Street works permit scheme

Together with other councils in the North East, we received a letter from the Secretary of State for Transport in July 2018. This letter asked us to introduce a permit scheme for street works activities.

The main reason behind the request is that it will give us greater control over works on our highway network. Along with our regional colleagues, we intend to introduce a permit scheme, which is already in progress.

During 2019 we designed a permit scheme for Gateshead, working in cooperation with other authorities in the region. Our draft scheme was subject to consultation, as required by the Traffic Management Permit Scheme (England) Regulations 2007 (as amended), with the consultation period ending on Wednesday 30 October 2019.

The revised draft scheme was approved by the Council's Cabinet on 17 December 2019 and the legal Order creating the scheme was made on 19 February 2020. The scheme took effect on 23 March 2020.

Benefits of a permit scheme

The total length of the highway network in Gateshead is more than 560 miles (900km) and reflects the mixed character of Gateshead. These networks range from major urban routes to minor rural roads.

The network includes:

740 miles (1191 Km) of footway
32,000 streetlights
289 bridges and other highway structures
170 traffic signal-controlled junctions or crossings

An efficient road network is an important element of our vision of making Gateshead a place where everyone thrives. It is fundamental to the borough's economy, enabling businesses to deliver goods and services. It allows local people to access services such as:

health
education
employment
leisure activities

It also keeps communities connected and is vital for visitors to the borough and wider region.

Roadworks can cause significant disruption to the smooth running of the network. This includes by utility companies, developers and maintenance work by the authority. Whilst this may be necessary work, it is important that it is managed as effectively as possible.

Under the permit scheme, promoters must book time on the highway network by applying for a permit before carrying out any works. Special arrangements will apply in respect of emergency works.

Similar schemes have already been implemented by most other English local authorities and the Government considers these to be a success. A permit scheme will allow us to manage and coordinate essential roadworks. In particular, it will aim to:

increase the efficient running of the highway network
protect the structure of the street and the apparatus belonging to utility companies and others within it
improve the safety of those using the street and those working on activities that fall within the scheme
ensure that better and more accurate information is available for road users about work on the highway

In addition, national statutory guidance for all permit schemes in England can be found on GOV.UK (opens new window).