Initiative launched to reduce road works disruption in London

Date: 19/3/2012

A new scheme has been launched to reduce disruption caused by road works in London.

It is hoped utility companies will be encouraged to carry out any projects as quickly as possible, while arranging for them to take place when routes in the capital are quieter.

From June, Transport for London will be able to charge firms up to £2,500 a day if they want to dig up roads during peak times.

This charge will not apply if utility providers conduct their work at night or during less busy periods.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening has given her support to the idea and explained the issue currently costs the British economy £4 billion a year.

"Anyone who has travelled on London's roads knows how frustrating it is to find major routes being dug up in the middle of the rush hour," she stated.

The capital is not the only place where changes are being introduced to road works regulations, as the government recently increased the maximum fine firms can face if scheduled jobs overrun.

Posted by Mary Treen