Crackdown on problem roadworks

Roadworks are an all-too familiar sight in London

A new scheme to be trialed in 18 London boroughs will give councils more power to crack down on problem road works.

Under the plans, roadwork companies will have to apply to local authorities for a permit before beginning work.

Boroughs will be able to set limits on time and amount of road used while insisting multiple sets of roadworks on the same street are done together.

Government transport minister Sadiq Khan said the scheme would prevent unnecessary disruption to the public.

He said: "Everyone understands road works can be necessary but the disruption being caused and the constant inconvenience to the public is way beyond what is acceptable.

"I have spent a lot of time visiting sites across London, and the impact on local traffic is chaotic.

"Road works are stopping buses from running on time, harming local economies because of increased congestion and blocking routes to shops and commercial premises."

Copenhagen Street in Islington, north London, has been dug up 375 times in five years by a variety of utility companies.

Mr Khan continued: "This permit scheme will give London new powers to plan and coordinate road works as well as to prevent work that would cause unnecessary or excessive disruption to the public."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version