Update on Oxford Road Works – Permit Revoked

Key compliance failures include:

• Absence of manual traffic management

• Inadequate use of permitted working hours

• Failure to install a safe temporary pedestrian crossing

• Extended, uncommunicated site inactivity.

Additionally, the unexpected discovery of an uncharted water main has necessitated a redesign of the proposed sewer connection, in coordination with Thames Water. A revised plan must now be submitted before any further works can proceed.

Immediate Action Required:-

The site must be fully cleared and Oxford Road reopened by today (23rd June), as previously instructed. Current progress suggests this deadline may not be met.

As such, from 23 June, the contractor has been advised that Section 74 overrun charges will apply:

• £5,000 per day for the first 3 days

• £10,000 per day thereafter

These penalties reflect the fact that Oxford Road is a Type 1 classified route—a critical corridor in the local road network. Officers will be visiting today to assess for fee charging.

While we are committed to supporting the delivery of necessary infrastructure, it must be delivered responsibly, transparently, and to standard. The project team must now return with a revised and compliant plan. The County Council will continue to monitor this closely.

Thanks go to County Councillors Nathan Ley and Tom Greenaway, Town Councillor Mark Giddins and County Highways Officers for their persistence in pushing for a better solution, and asking for the contractor to present a robust, competent and well thought through plan to complete the works on the Oxford and Dunmore Roads.