Roadworks to be centrally co-ordinated

TRAFFIC delays and disruption in Oldham should be cut by a new roadworks scheme.

The Greater Manchester Road Activity Permits Scheme will co-ordinate all roadworks across the 10 Greater Manchester authorities from its Manchester city centre headquarters.

The scheme aims to give road users more information and warning about planned roadworks.

Organisations will have to apply for a permit to work on the roads in advance — and could be denied if the works are considered too disruptive. Penalty notices will be issued if works overrun.

It is the first scheme in the country administered on behalf of 10 authorities, and will fund itself through permit fees.

Lord Peter Smith, chairman of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: “Through tighter controls and improved coordination we expect to cut travel times, keep down fuel costs and make our roads safer.”

More than 14,000 roadworks take place each year on Greater Manchester’s 5,690-mile network.