Khan unveils roadwork overrunning fine plans

Date: 19/10/2009

Plans to help tackle road work disruption have been discussed at a summit held by the transport minister Sadiq Khan.

Currently the maximum daily penalty for construction firms that miss their deadline is £2,500, but Mr Khan said that new rules could lead to charges of £25,000.

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

Mr Khan said he wanted to "crack down" on companies that overrun as it causes "major problems".

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

The summit was held at Aston University and was attended by motoring bodies, utility companies and local authorities.

A number of roadworks are currently taking place on the M25, including one upgrade between junctions 16 and 18 that will not be completed until June 2010.