MORE roadworks in Dorset could be undertaken by the county council – rather than contracting the work out.

It could mean less disruption for road users and more control for the council over when works take place.

The policy change, agreed by Dorset County Council's cabinet, will allow the council the choice to design and construct some highway improvements, or to take on just the design or construction elements – or to contract the work out.

The changes come about after only nine of 50 organisations which were consulted responded to the proposals to change.

A report before the cabinet suggests the policy change will give the county council more control over some projects, including guarantees on cost and timescales – while still working collaboratively with developers and others.

Councillors were told the change should have no cost implications: “The proposed policy amendment offers the council, acting as Local Highway Authority, the discretion to choose from a number of clearly stated delivery options to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and safety of developer-led improvements to the existing highway network....However, the implementation of schemes should be quicker, more cost effective and more effectively controlled."