The Charter, led by the council, unites utility companies, highway contractors, and other partners under a shared commitment to conduct essential work safely, minimise disruption, and enhance information for residents, businesses, and road users. Partners agree to coordinate plans, seek opportunities for shared work sites and traffic management, and reopen roads promptly. The initiative also promotes accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists, clear public information, and high-quality repairs to reduce repeat visits.
Anglian Water, Lincolnshire's largest utility provider, submits approximately 14,000 roadwork permit applications annually. Its early adoption of the Charter is crucial for the council's efforts to maintain traffic flow across the county. The improvement in urgent and emergency works completion times is a direct result of close collaboration between the council and Anglian Water through the Charter. These works, often requiring immediate action to restore services or address problems, are vital for affected communities.
Ashley Behan, Traffic Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, stated: “Lincolnshire is seeing significant investment in essential infrastructure, and our role is to help that work take place as efficiently as possible while keeping people moving around the county. Partnering with Anglian Water through our Street Works Charter gives us a shared commitment to keep improving. It’s about practical changes that make a difference to residents, businesses and everyone using Lincolnshire’s roads.”
The council inspects around 70% of Anglian Water's works, verifying safety, compliance, and quality. This oversight reinforces the Charter's goals of effective execution and proper issue resolution. Additionally, Anglian Water has adopted the council’s roadworker abuse awareness signs across Lincolnshire, promoting respectful treatment of workers.
Collaborative schemes involving two or more utility or highway organisations within the wider Charter partnership increased by 92% during 2025/26, leading to reduced repeated disruption on the same roads. The council manages 75,000 to 80,000 road and street work permit applications annually, with the Charter facilitating early information sharing and practical cooperation.
This partnership coincides with Anglian Water's investment of approximately £350 million in Lincolnshire between 2025 and 2030 to upgrade water and water recycling infrastructure, support community growth, and protect the environment. James Ball, Water Distribution and IMRDS Director at Anglian Water, commented: "Lincolnshire is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, and we're proud to be investing around £350 million to help make sure it has the infrastructure needed for the future. These improvements will help secure water supplies, support growth, protect the environment and build resilience to the challenges that climate change will bring in the years ahead. We know investment on this scale means work taking place in our communities, which is why our partnership with Lincolnshire County Council is so important. By planning ahead, coordinating activity and finding ways to reduce disruption wherever possible, we're working hard to deliver these improvements as efficiently as we can. The disruption is felt now, but these improvements will bring lasting benefits.”
More information on the Lincolnshire Street Works Charter is available at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/roads-transport/lincolnshire-street-works-charter.
