Introduction of a Permit Scheme into Bath & North East Somerset
The Council, as a highway authority, has a regulatory duty to manage and control the increasing demand on its road network from both road users and those individuals and organisations who need to maintain the roads and essential services located underneath or on the road itself. The Traffic Management Act (2004) established the Council’s regulatory duty to manage this network, and Part 3 of the Act allows for a Council to operate a permit scheme via a legal Order to deliver this duty.
What is a Permit Scheme?
Under a Permit Scheme, any individual or organisation intending to carry out permissible works on the road must make an application to the Council for a permit. The Council has the power to grant or refuse a permit, as well as applying conditions to the permit in relation to the how and when the works are carried out. Through these powers the Council will be able to coordinate, and control works on the road more effectively.
The Council introduced a permit scheme, the Bath & North East Somerset Council Permit Scheme, on 1st May 2020 via a legal Order.
Objectives of a Permit Scheme
The main objective for the introduction of a permit scheme is to ensure all works are planned and coordinated to minimise any disruption and impact they could have. More effective control of road works will help the Council achieve the following benefits:
- improving journey times and reliability for all our road users;
- reducing the congestion caused by road works;
- improving the information available on works, including advanced warning and duration;
- improving safety for those undertaking works and travelling through works; and
- reducing damage caused to the road.
Further Information
A copy of the permit scheme and associated reference documents can be found via links on this webpage.
Requests for further information on the permit scheme or related processes, can be sent to transportation@bathnes.gov.uk
Permit Scheme and Reference Documents
Bath and North East Somerset Council Permit Scheme
