Overview Permit Schemes
7.These are intended to combat delays caused by works on roads that inevitably cause disruption and can often impact on journey times. Beyond the necessary works of the Department to maintain and develop the road network, utility openings alone are in excess of 35,000 in number each year.
8.The Street Works (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 introduced permit requirements in respect of street works (largely the works of utility companies). However, given the views of stakeholders the Department subsequently determined that those arrangements should be replaced with a wider scheme that would apply to additional specified works on roads.
9.The Act therefore repeals the street works permit scheme arrangements and provides a wider scheme to better control the timing and duration of certain works on roads.