Task group set up to reduce congestion and damage to Surrey's roads (From This Is Local London)

Task group set up to reduce congestion and damage to Surrey's roads

7:00am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News By Hardeep Matharu

A task group is being set up to reduce congestion and the damage caused by companies digging up Surrey’s roads - something opposition councillors believe should have happened long ago. 

The group will look at reducing traffic issues and improving the quality of the work, but Lib Dem councillors on Surrey County Council (SCC) said action should have been taken years ago and the group now needs to reach a "swift conclusion".

SCC’s Lib Dem environment and transportation spokesperson Stephen Cooksey said: "It is good news that Conservative-run SCC has finally woken up to how big an issue the digging up of newly laid roads and the disruption caused to road users is to Surrey residents and businesses.

"Surrey has had powers for years to operate a permit scheme which would have forced the utility companies to work more closely with the county council and resulted in a big reduction in disruption, the cost of repairs and the blight that is caused on Surrey's highways.

"I look forward to the task group reaching a swift conclusion and taking decisive action for the sake of Surrey residents, businesses and road users."