Code of conduct
As a participating member of the Considerate Contractor Streetworks Scheme, we agree to ensure that our staff are committed to observe the City’s considerate Code of Conduct. Creating the proper environment makes the movement of people and vehicles safer and more pleasant, significantly enhancing the perception of the works, the workers involved, and the street works industry in general. We also undertake to quickly put right any statutory infringements or breaches in the 5 Point Plan and understand that continual justifiable complaints by the public or the City Corporation will result in an escalation process which could ultimately lead to our expulsion from the Scheme. In addition to an expectation that companies adhere to all appropriate safety legislation, including HSG47 (Avoiding danger from underground services), the City Corporation expects a member of the Scheme to abide by the following principles:
Duration
We will seek to implement all reasonable measures to safely minimise the duration of works, including use of the new technology and appropriate methods of working. Where the works are due to take place on traffic sensitive streets, we agree to consider double shifting for gangs, and use extended working hours in summer time (or where daylight hours permit).
Disruption
We agree to hold such site meetings as may be necessary and provide all details of work plans, traffic management requirements and environmental considerations insufficient time to allow for adequate consultation and for the issuing of the appropriate permits and agreements. We agree to share works programmes with the City Corporation well in advance so that works can be effectively planned and co-ordinated. We will also take steps to monitor our assets, identify those at risk of failure and /or leakage, and take steps to effectively maintain them. We will apply best practice protocols on reinstatement, reducing the need for multiple site visits.
Signage
We agree to work with City Corporation officers to implement appropriate, consistent and informative signage, providing the public with detailed information on the appropriate utility and contractor, the cause of the works, their duration and progress. In particular, we will consider, site-specific signage where work sites are inactive. We agree to install, maintain and subsequently remove all necessary traffic and pedestrian signage in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Safety at Street and Road Works, appropriate to the City’s 20mph speed limit and street layout.
Communication
We agree to work with City Corporation officers to develop a comprehensive communications plan that will seek to provide stakeholders with clear information regarding the need for works, their duration and how traffic, pedestrian and access to premises are affected. We agree to consult City Corporation officers at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss our works, and to maintain effective lines of communications with the City, responding in a timely manner to all reasonable requests. All permits, agreements and traffic orders will be in place prior to work starting and will be renewed/extended in good time. Any changes of variations will be discussed in advance with City Corporation officers.
Measures
We agree to work with City Corporation officers in developing a regime of measurements that will ensure continuous improvement in working practices and duration can be achieved.
‘The scheme is highly prestigious and drives improvement plans. It creates competition and a mind set to ensure that works are safe, tidy and expeditious’