WALTHAM Forest has not been included in a new permit scheme for companies wanting to dig up the borough's roads.

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that companies will have to apply for a permit to dig up roads in 18 London boroughs under a new initiative aimed at reducing inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians.

Companies currently pay a one-off charge to dig up a road, but from January 11 they will need to apply for a permit and charged a daily rental rate.

This, according to Mayor of London Boris Johnson, will encourage companies to manage their time more effectively and allow TfL to co-ordinate timing of roadworks.

A TfL spokesman said the council had been invited to take part in the scheme but declined to do so.

The Guardian is awaiting an explanation for the counci's decision.

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