Street Works UK, the trade association representing utilities and contractors on street works issues, has outlined its key recommendations for unlocking growth and getting Britian building in a new research
report published today.
‘The Road to Economic Growth – How Street Works Are Delivering for the UK’, highlights the importance of the sector in delivering economic growth and calls for greater collaboration between the sector, highway authorities, and Government to address the urgent challenges facing infrastructure delivery.
Street Works UK’s latest report was developed by its members, who carry out 72% of all recorded works on UK roads and include major utility companies, as well as their contractors. The sector is already responsible for building and maintaining the UK’s electric, gas, water and telecoms networks, and the new report explores the opportunities and barriers to further expand the nation’s infrastructure in priority growth areas including housebuilding, net zero, and connectivity.
With ambitious plans to build 1.5 million homes, reach net zero by 2050 and roll out full fibre broadband and 5G – all which will require significant new infrastructure and utility connections – the report concludes that the street works sector is crucial to fulfilling the Government’s growth agenda.
However, Street Works UK members remain concerned about inconsistent regulation, complex permitting systems, and new policy developments that could hamper delivery. For example, the Government’s proposals for devolving Lane Rental decision-making powers to Combined Authorities and to allow street works overrun charges to apply at weekends and bank holidays, could lead to inconsistent application, encourage works to be rushed, and increase costs for utility companies.
To address some of the challenges facing the sector, the report calls for greater collaboration and communication between the street works industry, highway authorities and the Government, which could save time, money and better serve communities impacted by works.
Clive Bairsto CBE, CEO of Street Works UK, said: _“The UK is at a key inflection point. The Government has ambitious plans to drive economic growth through new infrastructure, accelerating the transition to net
zero, improving connectivity, and building more homes. Street works are not only essential to providing and maintaining key services, but the sector will play a key role in ensuring that the Government’s ambitions are met. By continuing to work together with highways authorities and Government, the street works sector will address the challenges behind infrastructure delivery and continue to help to deliver economic growth.”
Mike Reader MP for Northampton South, and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Infrastructure also contributed to the report, adding: “A_s we work to deliver new homes, accelerate the transition to net zero, and boost productivity, it is crucial that street works are recognised as enablers of economic growth. This report highlights how the sector is working to drive efficiency, unlock investment, and support the Government’s infrastructure ambitions. I welcome its insights and encourage policymakers to engage with the industry to ensure our infrastructure networks are fit for the future.”
(Pic: StreetWorks UK)
