CHARGING contractors and utilities to work on the roads has moved a step nearer. A system of incentive charges is the third and final element in the Traffic Committee’s coordination strategy aimed at improving the management of roadworks.

It follows the introduction of legislation enabling Traffic properly to control works and the implementation of Iris – the Island Roadworks Information System. Both came online in November.

‘The States agreed that charging contractors and utilities needed to be weighed up against the economic benefits of shorter roadworks and reduced disruption for motorists, residents and businesses,’ said Traffic vice-president Leon Gallienne.

He said that a daily charge would encourage contractors and utilities to complete work as quickly as possible. This could mean working longer days or using more efficient practices.

Traffic has been consulting contractors and utilities over the detailed structure and fees since earlier this year. Proposals include a sliding scale for incentive charges ranging from £60 a day for minor roads to £150 per day for the main harbour route between St Peter Port and St Sampson’s.

Separate penalties will be imposed if projects overrun or conditions set by Traffic are not met; there will be a flat rate of £38 for parking suspension.

It is estimated that the charges will recoup the annual cost of coordinating, publicising and organising roadworks which this year is expected to cost the taxpayer £351,000.

Deputy Gallienne said the States had approved this when it debated the original policy letter, though the annual cost then was estimated at £377,000.

Traffic had done well, he said, to reduce the cost, which represented a fraction of the overall cost of undertaking roadworks.

‘Last year, Public Thoroughfares alone budgeted £4.5m. for roadworks,’ said Deputy Gallienne.

No date will been set for implementation until all views have been considered. The final decision will be taken by the Environment Department which takes over responsibility for roadworks from tomorrow.

Deputy Gallienne said incentive charges had to be agreed by the department before penalty fees could be set. These will be higher to encourage completion of work on time and are also likely to be introduced first.

‘Forward scheduling is now a major undertaking,’ said Deputy Gallienne. ‘Any overrun is potentially disruptive to motorists but can also have knock-on effects on other contractors’ projects. Penalty charges have to reflect this.’