Everywhere you look, there are roadworks, usually with no one working on site. Utility companies seem to take forever to undertake even small jobs.
Cllr Henry Michallat says: “Wales and West Utilities have caused much local anger by closing Westbury Road for so long. Roadworks on The Avenue, Julian Road, Seawalls Road and Knoll Hill also seem to be taking forever. Utility companies have statutory power to dig up roads and seem oblivious to the delays and frustration they inflict on local residents. They have traditionally had no incentive to complete works quickly”
There is some good news.
Cllr John Goulandris comments: “The government has now given councils powers to charge utility companies ‘lane rent’, when they dig up the highway. This is to encourage speedy completion of works. Bristol has so far done nothing to take advantage of this, but on 12th September Conservative councillors proposed a motion at Full Council to mandate Bristol City Council to explore lane rental so as to reduce delays caused by roadworks. The motion was passed and hopefully, officers will now take this matter forward”.
