SCOTLAND OPTS FOR SUSIE

The decision to spend œ28 million setting up the long-awaited Computerised Streetworks Register is seen as exorbitant by local authorities in Scotland who are already using a simpler and cheaper system. The alternative electronic messaging system, known as the Susiephone, has already proved successful at coordinating responses to daily wearabouts notices issued by the numerous utilities.

All Scottish local authorities, along with five neighbouring authorities in the north east of England, are set to spend a further œ300,000 on the Susiephone system and make it clear that they want nothing to do with the star-spangled CSR. Their case is that not only is CSR expensive - it isn't even ready.

With two million notices issued each year in Britain, covering two and a half million openings, there is obviously a need for first-class co-ordination.

'Susiephone has put us way ahead,' said Iain Hamilton, chief engineer (operations), Strathclyde Regional Council.

'To date it hasn't cost anything: all we pay is the phone bill. We've already saved so much that you could say ICL's imminent œ300,000 upgrade has already been paid for.

'The œ28 million for the CSR is exorbitant,' claimed Hamilton.

Steven Norris, Minister for Local Transport, however, reckons that the œ28 million, spread over seven years, will be money well spent because it will help highway authorities keep track and coordinate road works.

'It is a step forward in using the information superhighway to solve long-standing problems of coordinating works by utilities which affect our roads,' Norris insisted