The Council handles a network of over 7,300km of roads across the county. The effective maintenance and management of that network is a key priority.
Local authorities have powers to design and operate a permit scheme. This is to improve the management of works in the street undertaken by highway authorities and utilities companies. These powers are given under:
- Part 3 of the Traffic Management Act 2004
- The Traffic Management Permit Scheme (England) Regulations 2007
What is a Permit Scheme?
The Permit Scheme will require permission to be obtained for the majority of road and street works.
The Highway Authority will assess each Permit application. Where necessary they may apply conditions such as when and how the works can carried out.
Objectives of the Permit Scheme
Cornwall has a very unique layout. It has many features that need consideration when actively managing the network. The road network is under significant pressure on a daily basis. This is emphasised when there is an incident that directly reduces the capacity of the network.
The main goal of the Cornwall Council Permit Scheme is to improve the efficiency of the road network. This takes into account the statutory duties that have been placed upon the permit authorities. The way to achieve this is through better planning, scheduling and management of activities whilst they are in progress.