Council tackles Thames Water over traffic disruptions in Aylesbury

Buckinghamshire County Council have reminded Thames Water of their responsibilities after mains work on the A418 near Stone caused traffic chaos in Aylesbury this week.

Councillor Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport at Buckinghamshire Councils said: "We know this is causing a lot of frustration and inconvenience for local residents and commuters due to the significant traffic delays, especially at the start and end of the day.

The conditions of the Thames Water works permit very clearly requires that any traffic management that may be needed (traffic lights) are only allowed between the hours of 9:30am and 3:00pm. Outside of these hours no traffic lights are allowed and must be removed. Thames Water and their traffic management company have failed to follow these requirements since the beginning of this week. This is totally unacceptable, has significant adverse effect on the wider network, and we know our residents have been understandably annoyed and angry when this has happened.

The council has responded proactively, and the Street Works team has been on site each day this week instructing Thames Water to remove the lights outside of the permitted hours. For the remaining duration of the works, which are due to end 22 September 2023, the Street Works Inspector will attend on site at the start and end of each day to ensure that Thames Water follow the conditions of their permit.

Additionally, a senior level meeting will be held with Thames Water to remind them of their obligations, and warnings and fines will be issued for not following the conditions of the permit.

Whilst the council cannot prevent the work from taking place, we do take breaches of this sort very seriously and will enforce the legislation in full. Any further breaches of the work conditions will result in our revoking the permit and stopping all works."

Councillor Broadbent added: "We are also aware, as are residents and commuters, that over the last few weeks there have also been significant traffic disruptions along the A41 Tring Road as a result of other Thames Water mains works. This has caused a lot of frustration and inconvenience for drivers coming in and out of Aylesbury due to the significant traffic delays, especially at the start and end of the day. The council is closely monitoring this and is working with Thames Water to expedite the works so they can be completed as soon as possible."

If residents have any further questions or want to report any further issues, please notify the street works team at bhpermitscheme@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

A Thames Water spokesperson said: "We are sorry to residents and motorists for any delays on the A418 leading into Aylesbury. Our teams are installing valves into our water pipework to help prevent leaks taking place.

"Due to the location of the pipework, on the side of the A418, we require temporary traffic lights to be in place for the safety of our engineers. The traffic lights are manually controlled and will be in place daily from 9:30am-3pm until the work has been completed.

"We will always look to take a collaborative approach with the local authority when arranging planned improvement and urgent repair work, minimising disruption to residents, motorists and businesses and we apologise for any inconvenience during this time."