Roadworks Planning (Hansard, 16 October 1995)

§ Mr. Watts

This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Nigel Spearing, dated 16 October 1995: As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr John Watts, has asked me to write in reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what is the policy in respect of road surface renewal or repair contracts if highway authorities are empowered to include in such contracts provision in respect of minimum potential vehicle flow at given periods in the day and week. Roadworks planning is a matter for the highway authority. On local roads this will be the local authority, but on trunk roads including motorways the Highways Agency manages works in accordance with requirements set out in our Business Plan. The aim is to minimise economic costs through careful planning and specification of lane availability needs. Costs minimised through an economic evaluation of maintenance schemes, taking account of works cost and the increased costs to road users and others from the presence of the works. These increased costs are calculated by a computer program which takes into account the extra costs incurred due to delays, vehicle running costs, and accidents. The cost is different for each site and is dependent, amongst other things, on the type of road, traffic flows, percentage of heavy goods vehicles in the flow, the length of the works, and the number and configuration of lanes closed off. In order to further reduce traffic disruption and delay at roadworks more schemes are being let using the Lane Rental form of contract. The contractor is given the incentive to expedite the works by earning a bonus for early completion, but incurring a charge for late completion. Work is increasingly carried out at night, starting after the evening peak traffic flow has subsided, and finishing prior to the build-up the following morning. The closures take place when traffic volumes are low, and all lanes are available to traffic during the day.