Traffic & Highway Services said that the current arrangement is that funding for applications for services such as road closures, temporary traffic lights, parking suspensions, scaffolding-related work and other jobs affecting public roads is met by the taxpayer.
The change will mean that the island will move closer to the situation in other jurisdictions, where those who require temporary traffic management are responsible for contributing to the costs of providing it.
Thousands of applications are received by THS each year and these have to be reviewed, works coordinated to reduce conflicts on the road network, signage plans prepared, arrangements made for diversions, and ensuring that signs stay safe and correctly positioned during the work.
‘The new charging system is intended to recover those costs more fairly from the applicants who require the traffic management, while also encouraging works to be planned and coordinated as efficiently as possible,’ said senior traffic officer Mark Brockway.
‘We recognise that roadworks and road closures can be frustrating, so anything that helps improve coordination, reduce unnecessary duration and ensure signs are properly managed is also in the interests of road users. The new digital application system will support that by making the process clearer and easier to use.’
While local utilities already pay fees for excavation and inspection when they dig up the roads, there is no wider charge for the administrative work, or the coordination, signage and checking that goes with temporary traffic management.
The fees are designed to recover these costs more fairly rather than leave them to be met through general States funding.
As well as utilities, charges will apply to individuals and organisations who apply for temporary traffic management, such as for scaffolding, parking suspensions or house moves. Charges will also apply for work carried out on behalf of the States.
The fees charged will depend on various factors such as how long the measures are likely to be in place, the signage needed, whether or not ongoing sign checks are required and the location of the works – including whether or not they affect a bus route.
A new digital application system will be brought in at the same time as the charges.
Organisers of special events will continue to apply for traffic management through the existing process and discussions with THS, when additional costs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
People who have already booked traffic management beyond 14 September will not need to pay the new fee for their existing bookings. Further information, including detailed guidance on the application process and final fee information, will be published well in advance of charges being introduced.
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