Council demands increased authority over utilities projects.

The Westmorland and Furness Council is requesting enhanced powers to better manage roadworks carried out by utility companies in order to minimize disruption for residents and commuters.

The council plans to ask the government for permission to oversee and coordinate utility projects more closely. The move aims to tackle issues such as confusing diversion signs and multiple works occurring simultaneously on the same roads.

Councillor Peter Thornton, who introduced the proposal during a full council session, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the council and utility providers. "Often the works are not synchronized, signage can be misleading or absent, and sometimes it's placed incorrectly," said Thornton, the cabinet member responsible for highways.

He further noted, "Traffic lights may be inefficient or malfunctioning, and roads remain closed for extended periods with no active work taking place."

Currently, utility firms must obtain a permit from the council before starting work, though emergency projects can commence immediately if a permit application is submitted within two hours. Thornton argued that council staff "lack sufficient authority" to question whether emergency works are genuine emergencies or result from poor planning.

The Liberal Democrat-led council has decided to contact Lilian Greenwood, the minister for future roads, requesting a meeting to discuss the proposal.

Author: Sophia Brooks