New permit scheme to reduce roadworks in Portsmouth

From Monday, August 17 companies needing to carry out works on any public maintainable roads within the council's boundaries will have to apply and pay for a permit ranging from £40 to £240, depending on the length and type of works planned.

The scheme was approved this during a traffic and transport meeting this week. Speaking at the meeting Michael McLaughlin, the council’s highways PFI commercial manager, said: ‘There are a number of benefits which are basically to enhance the management and the co-ordination of network management activities, to reduce congestion and to make travel much more conjoined experience.’

Tristan Samuels, the council's director of regeneration, agreed. He said: ‘It is to note that the scheme isn't about making money for the council, this is about improving a service. Hopefully having less roadworks and less time spent out there should ultimately help us manage our pavements and our highway works better going forward.’

SEE ALSO: How Portsmouth’s seafront could be made more accessible

The council’s traffic and transport boss, Councillor Lynne Stagg, added: ‘From my viewpoint this is overdue it should have happened quite a while ago. I think we're one of the last cities to implement this.’

The permit will allow the promoter to carry out a specified activity, at a specified location, between the dates shown and for the duration shownand subject to any conditions that may be attached or required.

Any delays or changes would be subject to a further charge or penalties.

The M275 would not be part of the scheme.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.