New road rules delivered from today will help reduce “unnecessary congestion” across the UK, according to experts at the AA.
The Government will crack down on “disruptive roadworks” with a series of fines for projects which run over schedule.
Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, has launched a streetwork consultation to prevent utility companies from clogging up traffic.
Currently, utility companies are only fined for disrupting road traffic on working days between Monday and Friday.
However, plans would see the £10,000 per day fine for overrunning street works extended into weekends and bank holidays.
According to the Government, this would be a deterrent for working on the busiest days for road travel.
The new policy could also double fines for companies that breach the conditions of the job, such as working without a permit.
This could see penalty notices increased from £500 up to a maximum of £1,000 to put businesses off breaking the rules.
Edmund King, President of the AA, threw his support behind the new changes as he suggested motorists would see the benefits.
“Overrunning roadworks and poorly reinstated roads from utility companies frustrate drivers and cause unnecessary congestion, and trench defects can damage vehicles and injure those on two wheels.
“We are pleased that the government is looking to extend the fines for over-running street works, invest more of the surplus fines in roads and ensure that those who dig up the roads repair them to a high and timely standard.”
Lane rental schemes, where local highway authorities charge companies for the time that roadworks take over the road, will also be updated.
As part of the changes, at least 50 percent of the money generated from these fees will be used to improve roads and repair potholes.
The DfT reckons that £100 million can be generated in total over the next 10 years.
They claim the money will be used to resurface roads, tackle congestion and cut down journey times.
Mr Opperman explained: “Being stuck in traffic is infuriating for drivers. Too often traffic jams are caused by overrunning street works.
“This government is backing drivers, with a robust approach to utility companies and others, who dig up our streets. We will seek to massively increase fines for companies that breach conditions and fine works that overrun into weekends and bank holidays while making the rental for such works help generate up to an extra £100 million to improve local roads.”
