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A generic roadworks sign

Some roadworks schemes are taking too long and aren’t being properly co-ordinated, a councillor has complained. Ormesby ward councillor Carole Morgan told a meeting of Redcar and Cleveland Council that on her patch “barely a week goes by” without some form of disruption to traffic caused by roadworks.

Cllr Morgan cited Ormesby Bank, Orchard Way and Sunnyfield as being worst affected and said recent repairs in the areas had taken twice as long as expected. She said: “Residents suffered long delays for months.

“Three and four way temporary traffic lights were the norm and it created huge problems for refuse collections in particular.”

The councillor asked what the local authority was doing to “compel” firms to complete necessary schemes more quickly. She said: “Residents realise that essential works need to be carried out and some disruption is inevitable to achieve this.

“But there is naturally frustration when people see long periods of inaction, at weekends for example.”

Ormesby councillor Carole Morgan is a former Redcar and Cleveland mayor(Image: Stuart Boulton)

Cllr Morgan also said there also appeared to be “little co-ordination” when different schemes in neighbouring areas overlapped.

Cabinet member for highways and transport, Councillor Carl Quartermain said councils had powers under the Traffic Management Act and managed works on public highways by issuing permits to the companies responsible.

He said: “Utility companies must apply for permission before carrying out works and through that process we can set conditions to reduce disruption and in some cases refuse or amend applications where the impact would be unacceptable. Where works overrun or permit conditions are breached, financial penalties can be issued.”

Cllr Quartermain added: “We do monitor the performance of utility companies and challenge poor practice where necessary. Officers also ensure access is maintained for residents, emergency services and key council services [while] works are ongoing.”

Cllr Quartermain said he personally had "called in" some schemes he was unhappy with and would ask for traffic restrictions to be lifted when no work was being carried out.

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