To minimise disruption from street works, Portsmouth City Council delegates the day-to-day planning and coordination of highway works to Ensign Highways, our Private Finance Initiative (PFI) service provider. Under the terms of the PFI contract, Ensign is responsible for managing and delivering street works in a way that reduces impact on residents, businesses, and road users.
Ensign works closely with utility companies and other stakeholders to schedule works during off-peak hours wherever possible and to avoid conflicts with other planned activities. Advanced planning tools are used to map out works across the network, helping to identify potential clashes and coordinate activities more effectively.
Clear and timely communication is a key part of this delegated approach. Ensign and the council work in partnership to provide regular updates to the public through the council’s website, social media channels, and local media. A dedicated team monitors live street works, responds to issues as they arise, and ensures that all works are completed to a high standard and within agreed timescales.
This proactive, delegated model allows the council to maintain strategic oversight while ensuring that operational delivery is efficient, responsive, and aligned with best practice. By managing street works in this way, we aim to keep Portsmouth’s roads safe, accessible, and reliable for all users.