Agenda item

Motion by Councillor Lang - Reducing the Impact of Utility Works

“Committee:

1.    Notes the ongoing concern within local communities over the impact of significant utility works, which can often result in footway closures, full or partial carriageway closures, temporary traffic lights, and other changes.

2.    Recognises the importance and legal right of utility companies to repair and upgrade their infrastructure but notes the limited powers of local authorities in Scotland to minimise the disruptive consequences of such works and ensure works are completed as quickly as possible.

3.    Notes that some local councils in other parts of the UK are now using a 'per day' charge on utility companies for road and footway occupations in a bid to incentivise the timely completion of works.

4.    Agrees that officers should explore all avenues with Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government, either to maximise the use of existing legal powers or to seek additional powers like those now used elsewhere, to ensure Edinburgh and other councils have the broadest range of mechanisms to reduce the impact of utility works.

5.    Agrees that the outcome of this work should be reported back to committee through the business bulletin.”