Utility Companies Could Be Charged to Carry out Roadworks

In a bid to reduce congestion caused by roadworks at peak times, Gloucester County Council considers new tariffs for Utility companies. The initiative is being considered to minimise the heavy traffic caused when roadworks are installed.

Gloucester Council looks to charge gas, water and electricity companies if they intent to carry out works at peak times and high-traffic areas. The new proposal would charge companies by the hour and could be implemented in 2019. There are 2.5 million roadworks now in action in the UK, costing the British economy £4 billion per annum because people cannot get to work on time or deliveries are delayed. Gloucester County Council’s reduced congestion plan comes after trials in London and Kent, where congestion caused by utility roadworks has fallen by over 50%. The scheme encourages utility companies to work together to coordinate their maintenance works and reduce disruption on carriageways. Utility companies in London are 6 times more likely to work together since the trials began.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Delays caused by roadworks can be the bane of drivers’ lives – especially when they take place at rush hour on busy routes. These proposals would give councils greater powers to ensure utility companies avoid carrying out works at the busiest times and on the most popular routes. This would not only improve journeys and cut congestion but also save businesses from the increased costs they incur as a result of traffic on our roads.”