NJUG’s (the National Joint Utilities Group) concerns that permit schemes will cost the consumer have been backed up by recent market research, commissioned by Exor, which indicated that permitting would indeed lead to higher utility bills.
The survey canvassed the opinions of 252 individuals from Highway Authorities and Utilities in England and Wales and found that 91 per cent of Utility respondents said additional costs incurred would have to be recouped through increases in consumer bills.
Richard Wakelen, CEO of the National Joint Utilities Group, said: "In many cases permit schemes will prove an unnecessary additional burden as the improved street works noticing regime introduced in April already gives Highways Authorities more powers over works. For example, these regulations oblige utility companies to give three months’ notice for major works.”
NJUG believe in a proportionate response that provides for additional powers of permit schemes to be applied to the UK’s busiest traffic streets.
Richard Wakelen said: "In certain areas Government cannot convincingly demonstrate that permit schemes would reduce congestion for the travelling public. They therefore threaten to add to household utility bills at a very challenging time without any commensurate benefit.”
NJUG supports the Government’s aims of reducing congestion and is committed to working in partnership with Government and Highway Authorities to ensure that any permit schemes, were brought in appropriately, are both workable and effective. NJUG has recently worked very effectively with Kent County Council to help them construct their permit scheme proposal including a fair system of fees.
NJUG continues to urge that permits are only applied to the most traffic-sensitive streets, where they can effectively address traffic congestion.
For more information go to www.njug.org.uk or contact NJUG on 0207 340 1423.
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For further editorial information or to arrange an interview please contact the NJUG press office at pressoffice@njug.org.uk or telephone 020 7340 1423.
About The National Joint Utility Group (NJUG)
NJUG is the only UK industry association representing utilities on street works issues. Our full members include the Energy Networks Association (representing electricity and gas companies), Water UK (representing water companies), National Grid, BT, Virgin Media and THUS plc. Our Associate Members are Clancy Docwra, Skanska McNicholas, Balfour Beatty, Morrison, Morgan Est, NACAP, PJ Keary, First Intervention, Carillion and Enterprise. Including members through trade associations, NJUG represents thirty-eight utility companies.
NJUG is the utility arm of the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee representing street works in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales known as HAUC (UK). Please see http://www.hauc-uk.org.uk/ for further information.
NJUG’s focus is on promoting best practice, safety, quality and co-ordination of works as well as representing utilities in discussions with Government and other stakeholders on street work issues.
Street works are essential activities carried out by electricity, water, gas and communications utilities to maintain, enhance, extend, renew and repair their networks.
URL: www.njug.org.uk