Intended to crack down on disruption, the plans could also see a similar charge for those who leave temporary traffic lights in place after work has been completed and the potential introduction of a seven-day working week.
The new proposals would come on top of the existing penalty of £5,000 per day for roadworks that overrun.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “I want 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 commonsense measures will be a welcome relief to those trying to get from A to B on our local roads.”
In response RAC chief engineer David Bizley said: “Crucially, the only roads set to benefit from the Minister’s announcement are A-roads looked after by local authorities. While that should mean, over time, faster journeys for many drivers, the thousands of miles of works affecting B-roads and residential streets on which the majority of roadworks take place are not affected by the new policy. Motorists recognise that there is a cost to weekend working and whilst this is beneficial on A-roads, motorists are divided on whether a similar approach is justified on minor roads.
“Motorists need information on scheduled roadworks, in terms of what work is due to happen and for how long, so they can plan journeys as effectively as possible, and much has already been done on this through initiatives like www.roadworks.org. There are really good examples of excellent collaboration between local authorities and utility companies, and we hope today’s announcement means that even more motorists benefit from this.”
