Utility Street Works Seminar – SBGI Utility Networks
ENA/SBGI Utility Networks
Utility Street Works Seminar 2011
The climate for critical utility infrastructure maintenance, repair and replacement in urban environments has never been more challenging and a quality line up of Government representatives, utilities, highways authorities and other industry players contributed to the joint ENA/SBGI Utility Street Works Seminars February.
The event, which took place at One Great George Street, London, attracted capacity audience of 120 senior industry players. Key topics included permits schemes, proposed lane rental in London, the Olympics 2012 and technological advances in trenchless techniques and innovation in street works.
Richard Buckley, Deputy Director, Traffic Management, for the Department for Transport, gave the keynote address. He reviewed 
the coalition’s view on Street Works Policy but admitted that, as yet, there had not been much progress and very few decisions had been taken. What he could report was a very different approach to policy to come. He outlined the creative approach the coalition were taking, aiming to be very different from what had been before. Big society, Richard felt, would play a central role for people and professionals and the core themes of localism and decentralisation will see Street Works policy being made at a local service level and with a local authority lead. He reported a large shift in culture in the corridors of Whitehall and indicated that central Government would take a “step backwards” to enable local action and local solutions to local problems.
The event also heard from Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s Advisor for Transport. Kulveer spoke of a desire to see utilities planning works better and with a more joined up approach between the different utility improvements that were needed. He explained that the proposed lane rental scheme for London would encourage contractors to avoid problems and plan better. It was not about generating income but driving innovation and the lane rental money would be used to encourage new technology that minimises the amount of space on the road and disruption to the public.
Chief Executive of the National Joint Utilities Group (NJUG), Les Guest, expressed disappointment with DfT’s decision to defer their independent review of permit schemes for street works. London and Kent will release annual reports on their schemes in April, but Les believes an overall review is required to determine the impact on utilities. The schemes, which levy cash penalties for overrunning street works, began in January 2010 as a replacement for the old noticing system. Currently, a total of 19 authorities across London are involved in the scheme, with another seven boroughs due to join them.
SBGI is grateful to all the speakers for providing input into this year’s event, to Chairman, David Jones, for his usual flair and skilled chairmanship and to the event sponsors:
Full programme:
The Seminar was supported by a lively exhibition including the event sponsors and DHL Supply Chain, Vac-Ex, Synthotec Special Products, Develop Training and Adien.
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