Roadworks delays could be cut
Author: Daily Telegraph - Jul 30, 2009
A new permit scheme will see tougher action being taken to deal with utility companies whose works overrun, with the delays estimated at costing Britain more £4 billion a year.
Sadiq Khan, who became a transport minister at the last reshuffle, is also ready to push up fines if electricity, water and cable companies do not come into line and their works ovverrun.
"Everything is on the table, I want a cultural change. I am ready to push up fines tenfold or introduce a lane rental scheme," Mr Khan told the Daily Telegraph.
"I am fed up with excuses, something has to be done about this."
Dealing with roadworks delays have been a perennial problem for Governments over decades.
The Conservatives thought they had tackled the issue with the New Roads and Street Works Act, which became law in 1991.
But that legislation appeared to have little impact and more recently Labour passed the Traffic Management Act, which was designed to give councils even greater powers.
But, according to Mr Khan, councils have been slow to use these powers.
However Kent County Council will become the first to take advantage of the new permit scheme which will enable the authority not only to way when works will be done, but also impose additional conditions such as telling contractors to free up part of the road – for example during the rush hour.
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