JAG(UK) supports Government’s Framework for UK Fibre Delivery for better early engagement, better planned works, better executed works and better performing reinstatements

JAG(UK) supports the publication of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) ‘Framework for UK Fibre Delivery’ Fibre as an important vehicle to support the delivery of fibre and 5G connections across the UK.

The existing copper network that serves as the backbone of our current communications infrastructure is increasingly unable to satisfy the demands of the country. The future of high-speed and high-quality connectivity lies in deeper, more extensive fibre networks. Deployment of the fibre network will necessitate roads being dug-up and JAG(UK) will work with government and operators to keep disruption on the network to a minimum.

Along with HAUC(UK), JAG(UK) is a member of the DCMS working group developing the framework for UK Fibre Delivery. A key output is a ‘toolkit’ which will help to improve consistency and trust, promoting collaboration between local authorities and operators as well as complementing current legislation.

JAG(UK)’s role in driving innovation within the delivery chain and developing consistent and appropriate implementation of regulations is key to achieving the ambitions of DCMS.

Jerry McConkey, CEO of JAG(UK) said: “JAG(UK) would encourage colleagues across the sector to consider the recently published document and how they might develop deployment and performance strategies to aid delivery. The document published today is very much the first version of a process will evolve over the next few months as it becomes linked to performance and be evidenced based.”

McConkey continued: “Although we were not party to the final version despite being a member of the working group, we support the aims of the Framework and look forward to working with DCMS to support better performance in the future.”

JAG(UK) highlights that the toolkit does not change any legal rules in operation, rather that it is designed to add value by providing evidence of best practice which may be appropriate to individual authorities. To achieve its aims, network operators must plan, engage and sign-up to a performance plan with local authorities for work packages.

JAG(UK) understands that operators and contractors face unique challenges in street works compared with the other major utilities which creates a challenging environment to plan street works perfectly. This is why JAG(UK) is supportive of the key theme of the initiative to identify and encourage better early engagement, better planned works, better executed works and better performing reinstatements.

By working together an authority can benefit from better connectivity whist minimising disruption and protecting our highway asset. Operators can benefit from smooth running works and the public can benefit from fibre connectivity and minimal disruption on the network.

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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.