Letter regarding feasibility study into use of information systems in road works

Department for Transport,
Traffic Management Division
Zone 3/25a
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DR

Direct Line: 020 7944 2980
Fax: 020 7944 2469
E-Mail: mike.talbot@dft.gsi.gov.uk

Harry Pendleton & Chris Tunstall
Joint Chairs, Highways Authorities & Utilities Committee

28^th April 2004

AMTEC Report on Information Systems for Street and Highway Works

As you know, AMTEC Consulting Ltd have carried out a feasibility study for the Department into the potential for utilising information technology in aspects of the management of highway and street works. The consultant's report is being published on the Department for Transport's website. The consultants identified three areas where a greater or more standardised application of IT could potentially bring benefits:

• passing notices of works and associated information between utilities and authorities;
• keeping and exchanging records of apparatus;
• making information about planned and active works available to the public.

The report proposes a national framework in which to develop work in these areas and identifies a number of possible models for taking such a framework forward.

Ministers have accepted, in principle, the concept of a national framework to achieve beneficial consistency and inter-operability and most of the recommendations in the three areas. Some of the recommendations will require further consideration e.g. what would be needed to build on the NJUG trial on the electronic exchange of records. Implementing the framework and recommendations could incur costs for local authorities, utilities and the Department. Ministers have therefore asked officials to explore further the business case for the national framework before they take final decisions. Linked to that, we will also want to look again at the ways suggested for developing and implementing a national framework, especially to see where it is possible to build on work that is already taking place. Officials will be in touch shortly to discuss how to follow up these issues.

I am copying this letter to utilities, authorities and others, including those who were involved in the work carried out by AMTEC. If the recipients of this letter have any views on the report and its recommendations, please send them to Martin Wells, Department for Transport, Traffic Management Division, Zone 3/25, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR.

Yours sincerely

Mike Talbot

Head of Traffic Management Division