Minister for Roads and Local Transport issues open letter

The Minister for Roads and Local Transport has issued an open letter to address concerns over the nature of works carried out by utility companies.

Guy Opperman MP said it was motorists who pay the price with congestion, diversions and longer journey times.

As a result, he pledged to crack down by, firstly, consulting on plans to toughen fines for utility companies if they overrun and increase the penalties for operating without a licence. 

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

Speaking about the possible result, he said: "We could generate £100 million extra each year to resurface roads and tackle potholes left behind by utility companies, while helping tackle congestion, cutting down journey times and make driving a bit easier."

The initial proposal is part of the first series of measures to be delivered as part of the Government’s Plan for Drivers, a 30-point plan to support freedom to use cars, curb unnecessary enforcement and back drivers. 

This, he said, was the "...latest boost for those who rely on our roads, who, he said, will also see the biggest ever funding increase of £8.3 billion to resurface local roads in England – improving the everyday journeys that so many people rely on."

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