A CLAMPDOWN on roadworks could be on its way – to the relief of drivers.

Kirklees Council are looking at introducing a permit scheme for utility companies who want to dig up and work on the town’s busiest roads.

If the council doesn’t think they will meet special conditions, yet to be finalised, they could be refused permission to carry out the works.

The council has already begun a formal consultation on proposals to introduce a Yorkshire Common Permit Scheme – and they want your views.

Clr David Sheard, Kirklees Council cabinet member for highways and Streetscene, said: “Many of us feel annoyed and impatient when we can’t see actual work going on at sites where there are traffic hold ups.

“The proposals for this permit scheme means that those who wish to work on the most important roads will have to apply for a permit in advance of their works.

“The permit will state when and how the job shall be done, with fixed start and finish dates rather than the open-ended nature of the existing system.

“Better planning and advance information will mean that people can plan their journeys to take account of road works.”

Only last week motorists experienced lengthy delays because of work on the A616 Woodhead Road in Lockwood near the Lockwood Scar junction. Because of a gas leak there were temporary traffic lights and emergency repairs. But frustration set in when an alternative route using Newsome Road was hit by delays because of traffic light repairs in Newsome.

Kirklees is one of six Yorkshire local authorities who are looking at the permit plan along with Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield and Leeds.

Currently utility companies have to inform the council of their intention to work on their apparatus in the street.

The companies have to give up to one month’s notice depending on the length of time the work they wish to carry out will take.

If they have to act straight away, for example if a gas main bursts, they can start work and inform the council up to two hours after starting.

A spokeswoman for Kirklees Council said: “Under the permit scheme the utility companies will have to pay for the permit and the council can impose requirements on the way that the work is carried out by the utility company.

“At present the council has to coordinate the utility companies’ works and the permit scheme will allow some of the costs to be recovered.”

Companies caught carrying out work without a permit could be fined up to £500, reduced to £300 if payment is made within 29 days.

A consultation for the Yorkshire Common Permit Scheme will run until March 9 and anyone can comment on or object to the scheme by visiting www.yhauc.org.uk