McLoughlin plans to charge councils for unattended weekend roadworks

27 Jan 16
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced plans to expand the current charging regime for overrunning roadworks to fine councils and utility companies if sites are left in place over the weekends when no one is working.

The Department for Transport announced today that councils and utility companies could face charges of up to £5,000 a day if road works “needlessly inconvenience” motorists.

Currently, a penalty of £5,000 per day can be levied for roadworks that overrun on council-maintained ‘A’ roads.

Expanding this to cover times when no one is working on the sites would incentivise seven day working, McLoughlin said.
Similar charges could also be levied on those who leave temporary traffic lights in place after work has been completed.

McLoughlin said he wanted to deliver better journeys for drivers.

“Roadworks can be essential, but that doesn’t mean they should be in place any longer than is absolutely necessary. That is why I am looking at proposals to reduce queues and make drivers’ lives easier.

“These common sense measures will be a welcome relief to those trying to get from A to B on our local roads.”

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