NEW RULES TO HELP REDUCE ROAD WORKS

It is estimated that poorly replaced road surfaces mean there are around 90,000 remedial works each year, adding inconvenience to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. 

The revised Code of Practice published today sets out new methods to provide better quality road surfaces, reducing the chances of potholes developing as well as cutting down the risk that the road will have to replaced a second time.

Today's announcement is part of a package of measures set out by the Government over the last nine months to reduce disruption caused by road works.  These include proposals to increase by tenfold the charges for companies whose works overrun, to improve signage and protection of sites and for a tougher street works inspection regime.  In addition, the Department has introduced more rigorous testing and training for those who dig up the road as well as approving the first two street works permit schemes - to help councils coordinate and manage works on their roads - and publishing guidance to help other councils put these schemes in place.

Sadiq Khan said:

"Since becoming Transport Minister last year I have made tackling disruption caused by road works a priority.  I have set out plans to increase penalties for late running works tenfold and proposed strict new rules to ensure that work sites are properly signed and protected.

"The new Code of Practice I am publishing today will ensure that when utilities dig up the road they replace it properly - reducing disruption as well as the probability of potholes developing."

Last week the Government announced £100 million extra funding for local councils to repair damage to their roads as a result of the severe weather this winter. This builds on the trebling of funding to local authorities over the last 10 years for road maintenance from £265m in 2000-01 to £809m in 2010/11.

The new guidance streamlines the process of getting new materials approved for use and gives advice to contractors on using sustainable working methods such as using more recycled materials when relaying road surfaces.  This should lead to an increase in recycled materials being used and so reduce carbon emissions associated with road works.

A consultation on the new Code of Practice finished on 23rd November 2009 and the full document can be found here:     http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/network/local/streetworks/cop/sroh/