In this member article by Centurion Traffic Management, it explores the common pitfalls in the streetworks permit process and how early planning with experienced traffic management partners can help prevent costly delays.
The Permit Puzzle
Permit problems are one of the most common causes of programme delays on streetworks projects. They are also almost entirely avoidable with the right planning approach and an experienced traffic management partner.
If you have ever had a project start date pushed back simply because a permit was not approved in time, or found yourself dealing with a Government issued Section 74 NSWRA overstay charge because works ran beyond the approval time, you will understand exactly why permit management matters.
The streetworks permit process is not complicated, in principle. In practice, however, it requires solid planning knowledge, helped in part by having established and positive working relationships with local authorities and a level of perseverance that perhaps not every traffic management provider can sustain!
We share some of the most common permit pitfalls and explain how engaging with experienced streetworks teams early can help keep your programme on time and avoid unnecessary financial penalties.
Why permit lead times can catch you out
One of the most frequent issues on streetworks projects is failing to account for permit lead times in the programme. Most local authorities require a permit application to be submitted a minimum of three to ten working days before works begin for standard activities, and significantly longer for more complex or disruptive schemes, which can require applications known as Provisional Advance Authorisation (PAA) to be submitted three months prior. It is also worth noting that some local authorities operate their own enhanced permit schemes, which may need additional requirements.
From our experience when a traffic management company is engaged by a client, without first confirming that the permit will be approved in time, the result is sadly predictable.
Typically when a traffic management team of operatives arrives, we find that the permit has not yet been approved and therefore the site cannot open. That permit delay immediately affects the following day’s programme, and the knock-on effect can be significant and expensive.
Common mistakes in the permit application process
Incomplete or inaccurate applications are one of the most significant causes of delay on site. Errors in the site location description, the specified scope of works categorisation or basic traffic management planning details can result in a permit being either challenged or returned by the local authority, restarting the approval clock.
Failing to register for the correct permit scheme is another common issue. Different local authorities operate different permit schemes, and submitting through the wrong channel or simply missing a specific local requirement can add several days onto the approval process.
Coordination with other streetworks being undertaken in the same area is also something that catches projects out.
It is important to take note that many authorities apply both proximity and timing restrictions to avoid multiple schemes disrupting the same area of the road network simultaneously. If these restrictions are not checked during the application stage, you may find that your permit is deferred or even rejected to avoid a conflict of streetworks.
A request for streetworks collaboration can even be made by the local authority to minimise disruption to the public, however, it is important to bear in mind that this may cause additional complication in terms of planning, joint liability and final reinstatement of the site.
Positive working relationships make the difference
Centurion Traffic Management, has established working relationships with many local authority highways teams across the UK. This is not incidental. It is something we have deliberately invested in because we understand the difference it makes in delivering cost effective schemes.
When you have a positive, professional relationship with a council’s streetworks team, communication is clear, response times are faster and a more collaborative approach to resolving complex permit applications is frictionless. That certainly does not mean cutting any corners or bypassing processes. It means being a professional contractor that local authorities know they can work with.
That reputation and working relationship takes time to build, and it is something we foster on every scheme we work upon.
Solving the permit puzzle
Our skilled design team will manage every aspect of the authority permit application process, from utilising the latest Street Manager data and planning tools through to coordination with the relevant authority highways team. We identify and flag lead time requirements early, check for potential highway conflicts and ensure everything from a traffic management perspective is in place before your works even begin.
Because the permit puzzle is solvable. You just need a team that knows how to put it together.
(Image – Centurion Traffic Management)