Guidance to be issued to those who dig up roads

Date: 1/4/2010

The Department for Transport has announced it is to issue new guidance to companies who dig up roads to ensure they replace it properly.

It is hoped the move will reduce inconvenience to motorists of potholes and additional road replacements.

According to the department, poorly replaced road surfaces account for around 90,000 remedial works each year.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan commented: "Since becoming transport minister last year I have made tackling disruption caused by road works a priority.

"I have set out plans to increase penalties for late running works tenfold and proposed strict new rules to ensure that work sites are properly signed and protected."

The guidance is part of a series of measures to reduce disruption caused by road works.

Last month, the department stated proposals to increase the fine for companies whose works overrun to up to £25,000 a day.