A new penalty scheme to stop ulitity roadworks over-running and causing disruption has been proposed by North Yorkshire Council. 

The Stray Ferret often reports on overrunning roadworks infuriating local people. Whether it be eternal roadworks on Skipton Road or more recently at Pannal, where Northern Gas roadworks caused long delays on the main A61 road in and out of Harrogate. 

The overrun left local people feeling isolated and hemmed in according to the local conservative councillor John Mann. 

The current council scheme to penalise delays has been in place since 2018. Under it, utility companies apply for a permit which outlines how long they can spend digging up the road. 

If they go over, they can request extensions, but are charged a flexible rate. It means companies can extend work to suit their own timelines, with no significant consequence.

The council said this has not proved to be enough of a deterrent. 

New proposal 

The proposed Lane Rental Scheme (LRS) aims to overhaul the process.

Utilities will recieve a flexible charge — if they choose to work during high-traffic, busy hours, they will be charged more than quieter times.  

The aim is to encourage utility companies to complete works quickly, with as little public disruption as possible. 

The new scheme is set to start in April 2025, subject to government approval.

Rising costs mean the current permit scheme will soon run at a loss, if the LRS is not implemented.

The new scheme is expected to generate a surplus that will fund local groups trying to mitigate road disturbance.

The Stray Ferret has contacted North Yorkshire Council for comment.