Public to be consulted on quality of road works

The proposal is to re-launch and further develop the Edinburgh Road Works Ahead Agreement (ERWAA), which will be heard at the City of Edinburgh Council 's Transport, Infrastructure and Environment (TIE) Committee next week.

Detailed proposals will be developed over the summer to secure greater engagement from residents and the business community. Neighbourhood Partnerships, the Chamber of Commerce, business groups and community groups would be consulted on issues to improve the overall planning, management, and the coordination of road works.

Proposals include:

· Location, duration and contact details for road works planned by utility companies published on the Council website;

· Details and locations of completed reinstatements following utility works;

· The ability for the public to report defective signage, poor guardrails around road works and issues with the quality of reinstatements via the Council website;

· An increase in the inspection regime for reinstatements to achieve a 100% inspection of them all within 21 months of completion.

The ERWAA started on a voluntary basis in 2007, working with utility companies to minimise disruption caused by road works, improve the quality of reinstatement works and to make sure the public is informed of works.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: "The state of roads and pavements in Edinburgh is a high priority for the public and the new Capital Coalition, and it is extremely important to make sure that disruption is kept to a minimum.

"It is vitally important in terms of public safety that streets and pavements are reinstated properly, as defective repairs can be dangerous.

"It has become clear that there is a strong public desire for involvement in this process, which is why we want to give local communities a simple way of reporting any problems. They encounter road works and are very well placed to monitor their progress, so it makes perfect sense to allow them to help us."