London to launch roadworks permit scheme

Date: 9/12/2009

London mayor Boris Johnson has announced a new scheme designed to tackle the problem of congestion on the capital's roads caused by roadworks will begin on January 14th.

The new scheme, which will be carried out by the mayor's transport agency, Transport for London, will require utility companies and other organisations seeking to dig up roads to apply for a permit before they can start undertaking the work.

It is hoped the scheme will help improve the flow of traffic around the capital and was one of Mr Johnson's election pledges when he ran for mayor last year.

"If companies want to dig up the roads, they must do so in a coordinated manner that causes the minimum disruption to Londoners - and this permitting scheme is a crucial step towards achieving a sensible solution," said the mayor.

In November, it was announced the London borough of Hounslow had secured a £267 million funding package to begin work on a road improvement and maintenance project over the next 25 years.