Government Action To Tackle Road Works Disruption

A package of measures to tackle disruption caused by road works was announced by Transport Minister Sadiq Khan today as he approved the country's first ever road works permit scheme.

Road user groups, utility groups, bus operators and local authorities will be called to a road works summit hosted by Ministers and a new system of compulsory tests for those working in the highway to be introduced.

Kent residents will be the first to benefit from a pioneering permit scheme to give the council more power to coordinate road works and take tough action when road works overturn.

The UK Transport Minister said: "Everyone understands that road works are necessary to keep essential infrastructure in good order, but this should mean constant inconvenience to the travelling public. Local authorities and utility companies must up their game.

"As a Londoner I am very aware of the massive disruption caused by road works. I have already visited work sites in London with my officials and this has reinforced for me how vital it is that we make it a priority to tackle contractors who show a blatant disregard for the needs of road users.

"I know that the same problems occur everywhere and I intend to visit work sires around the country to see for myself the problems that are caused and find examples of best practice which can be applied to reduce disruption."

Mr Khan added: "Councils and utility companies must have a joined up approach and coordinate work so that disruption is kept to an absolute minimum. I am fed up with excuses about why we can’t do road works better.

"I am therefore particularly pleased to give the go-ahead for the country's first permit scheme. I want Kent to blaze a trail for other councils to follow."

(JM/BMcc)