Document highlights need for accuracy of street data in permit schemes for roadworks
GeoPlace and the Joint Authorities Group (JAG UK) have produced a guidance document to help highway authorities to understand the requirements in preparing their authority’s local street gazetteer for implementation of a permit scheme.
They have urged streetworks managers to review the guidance and consult with their authority street custodian before implementing a permit scheme. It draws on the data in the National Street Gazetteer, which is managed by GeoPlace, a joint venture between the Local Government Association and national mapping agency Ordnance Survey.
Among the main points in the guidance document is the need to ensure the quality and accuracy of additional street data (ASD) information, ensuring it contains all the streets that a permit will be served upon, and all those, such as private streets, on which they do not apply.
It also urges authorities to update ASDs will in advance of the ‘go live’ date for streetworks and keep them updated.
The move comes in response to the legal need of anyone carrying out highway works to apply for permission. Also, the organisations said the Department for Transport has recently indicated that the schemes reduce the length of disruption from roadworks by an average of three days and cut the number of overrunning roadworks.
Accuracy crucial
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, chief executive officer 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”.
JAG(UK) represents the organisations responsible for the roads and street – mainly local authorities – and focuses on the daily operation, the coordination of works for asset or utility network management and other events taking place on the highway.
Image from GeoPlace
