Essential work to resurface worn sections of path and improve drainage across Edinburgh’s North Edinburgh Path Network is due to get underway on 7 March for 12 weeks (weather permitting, of course!) Continue reading North Edinburgh’s path network resurfacing to begin next week
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson has led a Holyrood debate calling for greater action to encourage owners to repair and maintain the condition of tenement properties across Scotland, including stairwells, roofs, masonry and external walls. Continue reading Local MSP calls for action to improve maintenance of tenement properties
A plan to improve the way the Council carries out road repairs is set to go before councillors this week. A report on the Roads Services Improvement Plan, which will be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday, states that: “the Council needs to maintain a high-quality road network to ensure the safety of road users, to ensure road users can freely travel around our network and to protect the overall appearance of Edinburgh as a city”.
Continue reading Getting it fixed first time: new plan to improve city’s roads
Have your say on road repairs
A consultation on proposals to raise standards and improve the quality of road works has been launched. The consultation, announced by Transport Minister Humza Yousaf on Thursday, aims to develop the regulation of road works in Scotland.
The Scottish Government wants to hear the views on proposals to raise standards and improve the quality of road works, enhance enforcement and provide additional powers for the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.
The consultation includes recommendations from Jim Barton’s independent review in 2016 of the Office and Functions of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.
Mr Yousaf said: “The planning and coordination of road works in Scotland, is already streets ahead of the rest the UK. We have a single register for all utility road works which covers the whole of Scotland. We are unique in having the Scottish Road Works Commissioner to oversee the planning and coordination of road works, promote good practice, and ultimately consider enforcement action.
“However, despite having many strengths, we recognise there is still room for improvement.
“Road works are often where our busy lives intersect with our reliance on utility services. Our expectation is that where there is an unforeseen interruption to our water, electricity, gas or broadband services, the necessary repairs will be carried out quickly, and disruption to road users will be kept to a minimum.
“Our road network is an important national asset and we need to be confident that we have the right measures in place to ensure that those digging up the road, reinstate the road properly and get it right first time.
“We have worked closely with key stakeholders including Angus Carmichael the current Scottish Road Works Commissioner, to develop these proposals and I would like to thank Angus, those representing road authorities and utility companies for their input.”
Angus Carmichael, the Scottish Road Works Commissioner said: “During my 21 months in post, I have been particularly welcoming of the opportunity to work in partnership with roads authorities, utility companies and the Scottish Government on input to this important consultation on improving the regulation of road works in Scotland.
“This process provides a rare opportunity for the road works community to help further improve the regulatory framework and ultimately the management of road works across Scotland.”
Members of the public can access the consultation via the Transport Scotland website until 12 October 2017.
Pavement repairs in Crewe and Pilton next week mean there will be restrictions to local traffic. See below:
A programme of maintenance and inspection work on one of Edinburgh’s North Bridge is underway. Continue reading Work underway on North Bridge facelift
Owners of shared properties looking to organise repairs will be able to get help from a new Council service from Tuesday 2 April. The Shared Repairs Service will provide advice and information to owners through the process of organising repairs from finding a contractor to arranging payment. It will also signpost owners to other repair support services such as property factoring, property management agencies and mediation, and the use of legislative powers like the Tenement Management Scheme.
The Council will retain its statutory notice powers and will maintain the current 24/7 emergency service for urgent repairs.
An extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders last year identified that there is still demand for the Council to provide a project management service for more significant shared repairs. Options for this will be explored over the coming months, with a report expected to Council in about 3 months
Councillor Alasdair Rankin, Finance and Budget Convener (pictured below), said: “Maintaining the safety of Edinburgh’s properties is a concern for us all. Our aim is to find the right balance, based on the outcomes of the consultation exercise, with the Council taking a lead role in emergencies and providing support for non-urgent cases.”
From April advice and information will be available through the Council’s website, neighbourhood offices and libraries, getting in touch with the Council’s contact centre and by meeting with officers. The topics covered will include building inspections, working with neighbours, mediation, finding a contractor and arranging payment.
Cllr Rankin added: “This new service will be focused on our customers. Staff are receiving comprehensive training so that they can ensure property owners get the information and advice they need. We also know that there is demand from the public for the Council to have a bigger role in this area and we will be looking at potential options.”
The Property Conservation Service, which used statutory notices for emergency and non-emergency repairs, will cease operating from April 2013. However, work will continue to resolve outstanding complaints and to settle outstanding bills.
The new service was considered at a recent Council meeting, with councillors agreeing to a further report in the summer on options to expand the service.
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