We are an approved highways contractor to many local authorities.
We are recognised for having the expertise to manage substantial projects effectively with minimum disruptions to road networks.
With many years of experience delivering projects to the highways sector - meeting authority adoptable standards; you can be confident that your project will be to your complete satisfaction.
Highways applications, permits and licences
When construction works enter into a highway, a permit or licence may be required from the local authority to enable the works to take place. It is a legal requirement to obtain any necessary permits or licences, whether it be a vehicle crossover (also referred to as dropped kerbs), sewer connection, carriageway resurfacing or junction improvement works.
When applying for permits or licences, there can be an extensive application process and various permits and licences need to be applied for and will vary in cost. This can be overwhelming and costly if not carried out correctly.
Initial Systems is a NRSWA (New Roads and Street Works Act) Streetworks accredited contractor, and we hold all the relevant insurances, competencies and expertise to both carry out construction works within the highway, and undertake the application process and obtain all of the relevant permits and licences to enable the construction works to proceed. We are an approved highways contractor for many of the local authorities including but not limited to Kent County Council, Surrey County Council, and East Sussex Highways.
Our in-house team is able to accommodate the process of obtaining the necessary permits and licences, through the administration stages, payment of associated fees, and liaison with the local authorities to obtain the road space to carry out the construction work. Generally, our remit includes road opening notices, lane rentals, temporary traffic regulation orders, parking/bus stop suspensions and road closures. Once the construction works have been completed, we will facilitate the inspection and sign off procedure with the local authorities, ensuring compliance with the expectations of all parties involved.
Section 278 Agreement - vehicle crossovers and junction improvements
A Section 278 Agreement (S278) is a section of the Highways Act 1980 which allows developers to enter into a legal agreement with the local authority to make permanent alterations or improvements to a public highway as part of planning approval.
Examples of permanent alterations or improvements to a public highway include - however, are not limited to - vehicle crossovers (also referred to as dropped kerbs), new or changed access into a development site (e.g. bellmouths, new junctions and alterations to existing junctions, roundabouts, right turn lanes, improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, traffic calming measures etc.), new or altered signalised crossings or junctions that are close to the development site.
Construction works affecting the highway can only commence once the S278 agreement has been signed by the developer and the local authority, and all pre-commencement requirements listed within the S278 agreement have been fulfilled and approved by the local authority.
The works described within the S278 agreement must be carried out by a NRSWA (New Roads and Street Works Act) Streetworks accredited contractor. All of Initial Systems operatives are Streetworks accredited and hold all relevant competencies, training and experience to successfully deliver construction works within the highways.
S106 – Sewer Connections
A Section 106 application is used to apply for permission from the local water authority to connect new drainage infrastructure onto the local water authorities owned and maintained public drainage infrastructure. Before any new drainage infrastructure connections for developments can be made, written permission needs to be obtained by completing the Section 106 application and having the S106 application accepted by the local water authority.
Once the S106 written consent has been granted by the local water authority, the appointed streetworks accredited contractor will need to administer the local authority highways applications and obtain the necessary permits and licences to enable the construction works to be carried out within the public highway.
It is important that the new drainage infrastructure connection is compliant with the local water authority’s expectations and high standards. Poorly constructed connections can lead to future drainage problems such as blockages, backups and pipework failures, and can impact the integrity of the existing public drainage infrastructure. Should the new connection not be compliant, the local water authority will not provide a signed off authorisation of the completed works and the developer and/or property owner may be liable for the costs of removal and replacement by the local water authority.
Initial Systems has extensive experience with new drainage infrastructure connections. Typically these connections will be formed via the installation of a new manhole, connections into existing manholes by way of external/internal backdrops, or connections onto existing public drainage infrastructure pipework by way of saddle connections or oblique connections. We have worked with local water authorities for a considerable amount of time and are compliant with their expectations, providing reassurance of the services we provide.
Carriageway resurfacing
Over time, carriageway surfaces will deteriorate due to the volume of traffic that use them and the varying extremes of weather affecting them. These surfaces will need to be removed and replaced to accommodate future years. Similarly, when new developments are constructed, the existing carriageway surfaces adjacent to the development may require extensions or renewals.
Our suitably trained and experienced teams can deliver carriageway resurfacing works through the use of specialist highways equipment to ensure a high quality finish is provided. We are able to facilitate an extensive range of surfacing types, including but not limited to, asphalt concrete macadam, hot rolled asphalt with pre-coated chippings and stone mastic asphalt. Our teams use an extensive range of surfacing plant including planers, pavers, rollers and chipping machines to ensure all carriageway resurfacing requirements can be fulfilled. We are able to provide best practice and methodology advice, and we work with the largest asphalt suppliers within the UK ensuring we remain competitive.
Traffic management
Traffic management, also referred to as road traffic control, is the act of directing vehicles and pedestrians around a form of disruption. When construction works are carried out in the public highway, traffic management measures will need to be considered and implemented to ensure the construction works are delivered safely and to minimise disruptions to road users and members of the public throughout the duration of the works.
We are able to facilitate the traffic management requirements for each project, from initial consultation and planning, through to the development of traffic management plans, and meeting with the local authorities and third parties on site to ensure the best solutions are implemented. Once a system has been agreed, our partners are able to accommodate all traffic management systems including but not limited to, chapter-8 signage and guarding, temporary traffic lights, ‘stop and go’, pedestrian management systems, lane closures, and road closures and diversion routes.
Our teams are fully street works accredited and experienced to undertake construction works within the parameters of agreed traffic management systems.
Head Office
Initial Systems Ltd
Unit 3 Dray Corner Industrial Estate
Four Oaks Road
Headcorn
Ashford
Kent TN27 9PB
