Utility Companies' New Vision For World

20th April 2007 

Safety, sensitivity, service and sustainability for street works

The National Joint Utility Group (NJUG), the UK’s trade association representing utilities in street works, has launched a new 'Vision for Street Works’.

‘Vision for Street Works’ is NJUG’s new strategy to promote best practice, safety, quality and co-ordination for street works.

The new vision, developed by a group of NJUG Directors and informed using a national survey, reinforces the safety of the general public and workers on street works as the priority for utility companies.

The new strategy - ‘Vision for Street Works’ - supports NJUG’s aim of promoting best practice to establish UK street works as “World class.” It outlines NJUG’s belief that that all practical steps must be taken to ensure damage to underground assets is avoided, and utility companies must work in partnership with local authorities to minimise disruption and coordinate works wherever possible. Utilities should maximise the use of sustainable methods and materials such as minimum dig technology, and aim to deliver improved and consistently high quality street works, wherever practical and cost effective.

New CEO steers new vision

Richard Wakelen – Head of Street Services for EDF Energy Networks and former Finance and Strategy Director of NJUG – is today unveiled as NJUG’s new CEO.

Richard Wakelen said, “It is crucial for the utilities industry to have a strong, public strategy to guide its work in promoting safety, quality and co-ordination of street works in the UK. NJUG’s new vision establishes a road map for the future delivery of world class street works in the UK.”

The new vision will be supported by a new website, due to be launched on 19th April. The new-look website features reviewed guidance documents and publications, as well as the ‘Vision for Street Works’ statement

Image - Richard Wakelen, NJUG CEO