Late roadworks face higher penalties

Firms behind over-running roadworks could face fines of up to 25,000 a day if plans published today by the government reach fruition. The new fines would represent a tenfold increase on the current maximum charge.

The proposals will also give local councils more powers to charge utility companies for inspections if those firms consistently fail to keep their sites safe or do not replace the road surface properly.

The proposals are intended to provide utility companies with a strong incentive to finish works on time. Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said: These new measures show just how serious the Government is about tackling the problem roadworks that cost our economy 4.2 billion each year.

There is no excuse for those companies who allow their works to drag on for longer than they should, causing inconvenience and frustration for the travelling public.

The plans will now go through a process of consultation, which will end in May this year, and full details can be found in the Consultations section of the Department for Transport website.