Street works impact guidance 'stuck in the past'

01/12/2022 | CHRIS AMES

UK-wide guidance on safety at street works and road works needs to be ‘turned on its head’ to give greater consideration to the needs of cyclists and pedestrians, the Scottish Road Works Commissioner has said.

Speaking at Road Expo Scotland, Kevin Hamilton said that while data from sources like Google Maps on the impact of roadworks on traffic such as buses and cars ‘is actually quite good’, he was quite keen to get more real-time information for people who are not in cars.

He said: ‘We have to change our thinking in terms of who we’re catering for. It’s actually more about people who are walking, cycling, disabled people, and so we need to get more relevant, real-time information available for them so they can plan their journeys as well.’

Mr Hamilton was asked what he intended to do in response to a forecasted increase in work on footways, which is likely to have a significant impact on disabled people and whether he had enough information on this.

He replied: ‘I would like to get more evidence of the impact, which might then be a better lever for improving performance among, particularly, some of the poorer performing roads authorities and utilities. I think both create issues for pedestrians, disabled people.'

He added that poor traffic management of apparent minimal impact to some could be the difference between a wheelchair or a visually impaired person getting to their destination or not.

Mr Hamilton added: ‘In terms of what is coming down the line, there is a plan to revisit and review the code of practice on safety at street works and road works – that is a code that is currently in the hands of Westminster, the DfT. I’m very keen to change the whole hierarchy through that review because at the moment it’s very focused on reducing congestion, reducing delays, and minimising the impact on motorised road users. It feels at times that some of the stuff around vulnerable road users is tacked on.

‘The world has moved on since that was developed and it really should be turned on its head in my opinion. And it should follow the sustainable travel hierarchy and it should put pedestrians, and cyclists at the top of that hierarchy – consider them first. And that might be at the expense of people in motorised vehicles.'

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Structures Delivery Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Structures Delivery Manager to lead the delivery of structural asset investment Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Head of Highway Operations

Grade 15 £61,048 - £66,960 per annum (Pay award pending)
Here at Derbyshire County Council, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council

Highway Network Technician - WMF2090e

£27,711 - £28,624
We are looking to recruit a friendly and motivated candidate to join our Highways Maintenance Team as Highways Network Technician. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW