JAG(UK) and GeoPlace help councils cut driver disruption

A recent report published by the Department for Transport shows permit schemes – where companies apply to highways authorities to carry out works – help reduce the length of disruption from roadworks by more than 3 days. It also showed these schemes cut the number of overrunning roadworks.

Permit schemes require that anyone carrying out works in the highway will legally need to apply for permission, in advance of the works. A permit scheme has the potential to improve management of all works on local highway networks and significantly reduce unnecessary disruption to road and highway users.

The street data maintained by local highways authorities and managed by GeoPlace as the National Street Gazetteer (NSG) is an essential tool within permit schemes. The NSG carries all the information that a utility needs to know about in respect to the roads which are earmarked for works.

Richard Groombridge, National Street Data Manager at GeoPlace said: “Before implementing a permit scheme, each permit authority needs to ensure the quality and accuracy of their data. This is crucial as not only does it provide more control to the local highway authority to coordinate but also gives an early indication of any working practices that need to be followed”.

Jerry McConkey, CEO of JAG(UK) added: “Where schemes are implemented, the authority grants permits to undertake works on the highway which enables improved coordination of works and reduced disruption on the network. This provides greater control over works in their area, for example, working outside peak hours where appropriate, and encourages better working practices”.

GeoPlace and JAG (UK) have produced guidance to help highway authorities to understand the requirements in preparing their authority’s Local Street Gazetteer for implementation of a permit scheme and strongly advise streetworks managers to review the guidance and consult with their Authority Street Custodian before implementing a permit scheme. This will help highway authorities to understand the requirements in preparing their authority’s Local Street Gazetteer for the implementation of a permit scheme.

Contact [email protected] for further information and see further information on GeoPlace LLP website here.

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About GeoPlace

GeoPlace LLP is a public sector limited liability partnership between the Local Government Association (LGA) and Ordnance Survey.

GeoPlace is a world class expert in address and street information management, working internationally as well as in the UK to help our partners and customers maximise the value of their spatial information for better decision making.

GeoPlace maintains a national infrastructure that supports the address and street information needs of the public and private sectors. Its work relies heavily on close working relationships with every local authority in England and Wales. This relationship has been developed over 15 years, to build the National Address Gazetteer infrastructure and National Street Gazetteer. Ordnance Survey develops the range of AddressBase products from the National Address Gazetteer and OS MasterMap Highways Network from the NSG. Both datasets underpin efficient and effective services, bringing direct service delivery benefits to users.

The Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) and the Unique Street Reference Number (USRN) are the unique identifiers for every addressable location and street in Great Britain. They are created by local authorities who have the statutory authority to name and number every street and property and Ordnance Survey who identify objects on the landscape which may otherwise not attract an address.

These unique reference numbers link datasets together and share information with other organisations who also use them. They provide a comprehensive, complete and consistent identifier throughout a property's life cycle – from planning permission or street naming through to demolition.

See https://www.geoplace.co.uk.

About JAG(UK)

The Joint Authorities Group - JAG(UK) - represents the organisations responsible for the roads and streets of the United Kingdom.

JAG(UK) focuses on the daily operation, the coordination of works for asset or utility network management and other events taking place on the highway.

JAG(UK)'s member organisations are primarily local authorities and similar bodies whose principal activities are governed by highways, street, road and traffic management legislation. Their responsibilities include regulation of streets and roads for any purpose, with a view to maintaining public safety, asset integrity and the movement of people and goods.

JAG(UK) has six primary objectives and supports its members in achieving these.

1. safeguarding the quality and effectiveness of highways as the major transport network

2. developing a consistent and appropriate implementation of regulations, fairly balancing the legitimate needs of road users and works promoters of all types

3. identifying and promoting good practice in all aspects of traffic and works coordination

4. supporting the practitioners within member organisations in their personal professional development through the provision of guidance and timely, appropriate communication on important issues

5. representing the interests and expert contributions of the membership in the wider public arena, including government, the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committees, National Traffic Managers Forum and other related bodies

6. maintaining an attitude of cooperation and pursuit of efficiency of operation of works, while remaining mindful of regulatory responsibilities.