By Joshua Robinson – 

In a recent open letter Guy Opperman MP, Minister for Roads and Local Transport, has announced a plan to crack down on works by utility companies overrunning.

In the letter, it is stated that when utility company roadworks overrun, it’s motorists who pay the price with congestion, detours, and longer journeys.

The letter stated that plans were being made to toughen fines for utility companies if they overrun and increase the penalties for operating without a licence.

Proposals include using money the utility companies pay councils to “block off” the streets and putting it into resurfacing and improving local roads.

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It is hoped that through these actions £100 million extra each year can be generated to resurface roads and tackle potholes left behind by utility companies, while helping tackle congestion, cutting down journey times, and making driving a bit easier.

This is part of the first series of measures delivered from the Government’s Plan for Drivers, a 30-point plan aimed at supporting the freedom to use one’s car, decrease unnecessary enforcement, and assist drivers.

Further announced in the letter was that there would be the biggest ever funding increase of £8.3 billion to resurface local roads in England, aiming to improve everyday journeys that people rely on.