Roadworks permit scheme 'delayed'

The Department for Transport revealed the plans earlier this year

The Mayor of London has accused ministers of "shilly shallying" over proposals to introduce a roadworks permit scheme.

Boris Johnson revealed that he and representatives of 14 London boroughs had written to ministers to ask them to speed up implementation of the plans.

The Department of Transport revealed the permit scheme earlier this year, aimed at helping to reduce disruption.

It said the scheme would have to meet tests set down in legislation.

But Mr Johnson said government delays would mean the scheme would not come through until about 2010 and urged ministers to act quicker.

"This is something that could radically improve the lives of Londoners," he said.

"If we could curtail the time which roadworks blocked the roads then we could get traffic flowing more smoothly and improve the lives of Londoners."

A DfT spokesman said: "We're hoping to meet with the London authorities over the next couple of weeks to discuss how to take things forward."

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