Reading Green Party is pushing the council to apply for power over which utility works happen when.
Labour-run Reading Borough Council has pushed a commitment to tackle utility companies digging up roads across the town back by a year.
The council could apply for the power to have more control over roadworks, as other councils have done. Successfully applying to operate a street works permitting scheme would give Reading Borough Council some power over which roadworks happen when. Unfortunately, it appears that may not happen until 2026.
Green councillors are keen for Reading Borough Council to apply to establish a street works permitting scheme as soon as possible. They hope that this will help to reduce the disruption and the associated pollution and inconvenience caused by continual uncoordinated roadworks across town.
Councillor Kathryn McCann (Green, Redlands) said: “Every day in Reading it seems someone is digging up the road or pavement, whether it’s for internet, gas, water or electrical works. Sometimes it’s one company straight after another on the same stretch.
“Last year we lobbied the council to apply to become a ‘permitting authority’ and were pleased to be told it would happen before May 2025. We now hear this will be delayed until the following year. That’s no comfort to residents dealing with the frustration of roadworks constantly popping up all over the place.
“Now we’re the official opposition in Reading, we feel it’s important to use that position to encourage the council to do better for residents. We’ll keep up the pressure.”
“The more people who get involved with the Green Party the more of a difference we can make on issues like this.”