Network Management Policy

Buckinghamshire Council (BC) adopts a Permit Scheme in order to control occupancy of the highway network.

The Permit Scheme applies to all traffic sensitive streets and non-traffic sensitive streets defined as reinstatement category 0, 1, 2,3 and 4 as identified on the National Street Gazetteer (NSG). Streets have been assigned to each of these categories taking account of the risks in managing the county’s busiest routes, to help keep Buckinghamshire thriving and attractive.

The permit scheme is fully detailed in BC’s Permit Scheme for Road Works and Street Works. Potential incumbents of the permittable network must apply to BC to obtain a permit in order to book the time they can occupy the network. BC can choose to grant a permit, apply reasonable conditions or decline permission to obstruct the network. A granted permit allows the holder to carry out the specified activity at a specific location and within the allowable timeframe.

Buckinghamshire Council encourages collaborative working between promoters of street works to minimise occupancy time on the network. BC holds collaboration meetings within its own organisation and with utilities to encourage joint working on the highway.

The permit scheme means that all parts of the network can be efficiently managed to ensure that works on the network do not cause unnecessary congestion. With the introduction of “Street Manager” from the 1 July 2020, all Permit requests must be applied for via Street Manager.