Lib Dems demand action to control ‘plague’ of roadworks

Towns across West Sussex are suffering from a ‘plague of roadworks’ as competing broadband companies dig up the same roads again and again, said Cllr John Milne (Horsham, Riverside) at a meeting of West Sussex County Council on 26th May.

Residents understand the benefit of enabling faster internet connections. But with multiple broadband companies all laying new cables at the same time, the need to coordinate works in a less disruptive way has become urgent.

Cllr Milne asked Cllr Joy Dennis (Cab Mem for Transport & Highways) to recognise the scale of the problem and the need for action.  ‘The government in its wisdom has decided to allow a free-for-all. While I recognise that utility companies have been given a statutory right of access, we need to take action to control the chaos.’

Cllr Milne also raised the issue of unsatisfactory workmanship and quality control, with some roads being left in a poor condition. Given the lack of legal power, John Milne suggested the solution might lie in a negotiated approach. He asked the Council to ‘explore the possibility of voluntary scheduling, or perhaps a voluntary code of conduct’.

It was accepted that multiple roadworks in the same location weaken the long-term structure and durability of the road surface.

Cllr Dennis seemed unaware of the problems in Horsham Town, but she agreed that the East Grinstead area had experienced similar difficulties. She promised to take action against any company not meeting its obligations.