Fines faced over late roadworks

UTILITY companies which do not finish roadworks on time could be faced with fines of up to £25,000.

The current maximum daily charge is £2,500, but to encourage companies to complete works on time increases to as much as £25,000 may be justified, Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said.

He added: “Everyone knows that roadworks are necessary to keep essential infrastructure in good order but councils and utility companies need to keep disruption to a minimum for the travelling public.

“Each year road works cost our country £4.2 billion — this is unacceptable and not affordable.

“Some contractors are showing a blatant disregard for the needs of road users.

“This is why I am proposing to increase the maximum fines for utility companies who let their road works overrun as well as putting forward proposals to charge companies for carrying out work on the busiest routes where disruption affects the most people.

“We want to ensure that utility companies and local authorities are doing everything they can to reduce disruption whether this means working with bus operators to ensure they have enough notice to plan alternative routes or improving communication with commuters and local residents affected by road works.”

Companies wanting to carry out work on the busiest roads could “rent a lane” to ensure minimum disruption, and work with bus companies to ensure alternative routes are put in place.

Ministers also want to look at how residents and commuters could be updated on alternative routes, possibly via text messaging.