For the Street and Highway Works theme, selectors were looking for authorities minimising disruption to road users. Crucial to this goal was the councils' relationship with the utility companies who carry out the majority of street works
In July 2003 the award winners for Street and Highway Works pooled experiences at the Beacon Council Learning Exchange in London. The exchange illuminated the variety of ways in which councils manage works and minimise disruption to all road users. Here we focus on best practice highlights from each of the six authorities, all of whom are offering opportunities to share their know-how.

Barnsley MBC has made significant progress in improving the performance of its street and highway services. It has innovative partnerships with contractors, utilities, residents and businesses, has made extensive efforts to achieve more effective communication and has re-thought its maintenance strategy to accommodate public concerns. Of particular interest are the focus on higher quality reinstatements, reduced utility openings and a local public service agreement.

Open Day: 8 October 2003 at Bretton Hall, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield. Tel 01226 772171 or email beaconstreetworks@barnsley.gov.uk

Birmingham CC identified weaknesses in its service through a review in 1998 and since then has implemented a programme of service improvement. A number of initiatives have been recognised as best practice, including the Considerate Contractor Scheme, the code of practice for coordination of street works and signing of road and street works. The council has developed an excellent lay assessors scheme and proposals for a PFI approach for highway maintenance.

Open Day: 24 October 2003 at Birmingham Council House. Focus on developing a partnership approach, with a keynote speech and member presentations. Tel 0121 303 7498 or email graham.mason@birmingham.gov.uk

Cornwall CC's approach relates to local circumstances and geography. It recognises the importance to the local economy of minimising road user disruption, providing accurate and timely user contact information and dealing with skills shortages.

Open Day: 13 November 2003 in Newquay. Learn more about Cornwall's street and highway works through presentations, workshops and discussions. For more information tel 01872 323406 or email beacon@cornwall.gov.uk

The Corporation of London's Considerate Contractor Scheme integrated long-term programming, the duct sharing initiative and effective partnering arrangements, which deliver high service standards and user satisfaction.

The Corporation continues to pursue innovation and continuous improvement, for example in recycling.

Open Day: January/February 2004 (tbc) at the Guildhall, Basinghall Street, London, EC4. Focuses on partnering arrangements, Considerate Contractor Scheme and recycling materials for highway use. For more information tel 020 7332 1977 or email ian.hughes@corpoflondon.gov.uk

The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham has demonstrated strong member and officer commitment to high quality service, based on a good understanding of community expectations.There is a robust approach to the management of utilities, utilising all available powers but also seeking to influence and encourage good practice. The council has a comprehensive performance management regime and played a leading role in the London-wide Roads 2000 project and has a commitment to learning and sharing best practice.

Open Day: 29th October 2003 at Fulham Palace, Hammersmith. Presentations and information sharing sessions. For more information tel 020 8753 3085 or email mick.stone@lbhf.gov.uk

Street works has always been a high priority within Kirklees MBC. In the past the Council has taken a direct confrontational approach but found this did not work effectively. It has now taken a partnership approach with the balance between street works and council-directed road works and the need to deliver a 'seamless' consistent approach being the key feature. The provision of the freephone ROSS Street Care Contact Centre enables good communication between public and staff.

Open Day: 8th October 2003 at Bretton Hall, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield. The open day will be a joint event with Barnsley MBC. For more information tel 01484 225510 or email beacon@kirklees.gov.uk

Source

Construction Manager