Roadworks permit scheme - Print version

Roadworks Permit Scheme

What is a permit scheme?

The Traffic Management Act (2004) established all Council's regulatory duty to manage their networks, and Part 3 of the Act allows for a Council to operate a permit scheme via a legal Order to deliver this duty.

Under a Permit Scheme, any individual or organisation intending to carry out works on the highway must make an application to the Council for a permit. The Council has the power to grant or refuse a permit, as well as applying conditions to the permit in relation to the how and when the works are carried out.

Through these powers, the Council will be able to coordinate and control works on the road more effectively.

Detailed information about what activities are covered by the scheme can be found at the West and Shires permit scheme [/downloads/download/3610/roadworks_permit_scheme].

Objectives of a permit scheme

The primary objectives of a permit scheme are:

• reduce the disruption caused by road works;
• improve the information available on works, including advanced warning and duration;
• improve safety for those undertaking works and travelling through works; and
• reduce damage caused to the highway.

For further information please contact the Traffic Management Team at TempTM@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:TempTM@coventry.gov.uk].

Update December 2025

Objectives and benefits

Objectives and Benefits of running a permit scheme

Coventry City Council runs a permit scheme and anyone planning to carry out works on the road has to apply for permission. This gives the Council the power to approve or refuse the application, and to put on any conditions, such as what time the works can be carried out.

This means the Council can control and co-ordinate roadworks to reduce the risk of any issues and to keep the network running effectively.

What will the permit scheme mean for the road user?

The main purpose of the permit scheme is to avoid any issues caused by unnecessary or poorly controlled roadworks. Other benefits include:

• improving journey times and reliability for all our road users
• reducing congestion
• improving the information available on works, including advanced warning
• increasing the planning and control of works to improve safety and reduce damage to the road.

Permit Fees

Under the Permit Scheme, the Council can charge for:

1. The issue of a permit
2. An application for a permit, where the Permit Scheme requires a 'Provisional Advance Authorisation' as part of the application
3. Each time the permit or the conditions are changed.

* Permit fees do not include costs charged or recoverable by the Council covering other areas linked to the work, such as Temporary Traffic Orders or parking suspensions.

The fees are designed to help the Council cover any costs, not to make a profit.

Updated December 2025