Companies which undertake roadworks in Rutland could need to pay for a permit as the county council looks to make changes. 

The authority's cabinet will consider a proposal by officers when it meets on Tuesday (February 11) to introduce the new Rutland Permit Scheme. More than 2,000 street works are carried out on the county's roads each year, which the council says is essential but disruptive. 

"Both the highway network and utility apparatus require repair and improvement to ensure the safe and efficient supply of essential utility and transport services on which we all depend. However, these works impose substantial costs on society, principally through disruption and delay to road users and can be a detriment to the attractiveness of the county to businesses and visitors alike." 



Recent road closures on Brooke Road caused chaos and public fustration for local people (Photo: Nub News)

The levy charged would depend on what type of road the work was happening and for how long. 

Charges will range from £65 to £240. They will be levied on 'statutory undertakers – these are organisations such as major utility companies, which are authorised under government legislation to carry out works. Penalty charges for companies whose works take longer than permitted, or who do not have a permit will be introduced. 

The authority estimates it will bring in £175,000 each year to the authority, but the cost of running the scheme will be relatively close to that, at an estimated £169,000. 

The council's cabinet will be asked to approve a consultation with stakeholders and delegate authority to the director of place Penny Sharp to implement the scheme.