A senior Conservative MP is calling for new legislation that would give councils the power to block roadworks and issue substantial fines to companies which cause traffic carnage.
Mark Francois, Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, introduced the proposal in the House of Commons, criticising companies for showing "a lack of any palpable sense of urgency whatever to get the job done".
The proposed Roadworks Bill aims to address the growing frustration of drivers stuck in traffic due to delayed roadworks, especially when they have been up for longer than they need to be.
The bill would give local authorities new rights to refuse roadworks that could cause "unacceptable disruption" to road users.
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The Roadworks Bill is expected to come before MPs next year
PASpeaking to the House of Commons, Francois said: "Let us collectively can the cones and keep the traffic flowing as much as we practically can."
The former Local Government Minister's bill outlines a three-pronged strategy for councils to tackle roadwork disruption.
Under the proposal, local highways authorities would receive enhanced powers to control roadwork permits and enable authorities to reject applications based on potential "unacceptable disruption" to motorists.
A key element of the legislation would require highway authorities to take "all practicable steps to deconflict roadworks in their areas" to prevent multiple roadworks from occurring simultaneously in neighbouring areas.
The proposed changes would also introduce a stricter penalty system for companies whose roadworks overrun beyond agreed schedules.
Francois argues that current fines barely impact major utility companies and developers, who often treat them as a routine business expense.
The proposed legislation included in the bill would dramatically increase penalties for companies exceeding agreed schedules.
Most notably, persistent offenders could face fines of up to 10 per cent of their annual corporate turnover, which Francois believes would "make even the most high-handed company sit up and listen".
The bill also promotes the expansion of lane rental schemes, where companies must pay daily fees to conduct roadworks.
This system, which is currently limited to select roads, aims to provide companies with "a clear financial incentive to be efficient".
The proposed Roadworks Bill has garnered cross-party support, with Labour's roads minister Lilian Greenwood backing the initiative.
If passed, the bill would mark one of the most substantial changes to roadwork management in recent years.
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The bill calls for harsher penalties for companies that leave roadworks in place for longer than they need to be
GETTYThe Roadworks Bill is scheduled to come before MPs for consideration on July 11, 2025.
