Overrunning road works fines 'to increase tenfold'

Date: 1/3/2010

The maximum penalty for allowing road works to overrun is to be increased tenfold, the Department for Transport has announced today.

At present, the maximum daily charge for road works that are not completed on deadline is £2,500.

However, transport minister Sadiq Khan has revealed that this amount could be increased to up to £25,000 a day.

It is hoped the move will decrease the number of road works projects that overrun and cause inconvenience to the public.

According to the Department for Transport, overrunning road works cost the economy £4.2 billion each year.

Mr Khan stated: "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 new charges and tougher inspection regime will provide a strong incentive for utilities to finish works on time or pay for the disruption they cause."

Utility companies will not be able to pass the cost of these penalties on to customers.

An existing safety code of practice at road works sites is also due to be updated, according to the Times.