The Government aims to introduce new measures to penalise companies for leaving potholes on the roads and problems with the footways after carrying out street works.
It is hoped that this change to law can help prevent thousands of potholes being left by utility, telecoms and broadband companies across the country and ensure that when works are carried out the roads are resurfaced to a good standard.
It is hoped that a new performance-based inspections regime will be introduced where the worst performing utility companies who fail to meet the strict standards will face financial penalties. It will also see local authority road inspectors out more frequently to ensure that street works are not adding to road disrepair problems and any work carried out leaves roads and footpaths in a good condition.
I know the majority of firms do leave areas clean, tidy and problem free as they leave but we have all encountered a few issues whether it is signage and cones left, paving slabs not returned as they were, loose manhole covers or dents in the road where the tarmac left has not quite been left smooth.
The change supports the Governments commitments to improving transport and infrastructure at local level to ensure people can more easily access education, work and opportunities while reducing maintenance costs.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
The plague of potholes is the menace of our roads. That’s why I’m ensuring companies who create them and leave roads in a poor state can be held to account more easily – protecting drivers from unfair repair costs.
We’ve already invested billions of pounds into roads maintenance, helping local authorities keep their highways well maintained and I’ll continue working to make sure all road-users around the country can enjoy the safe, world-class infrastructure they deserve.
I appreciate that some parts of Coton Green have been heavily affected by repeated roadworks due to housebuilding, hopefully measures such as this will help reduce future disruption when big developments take place in an area.
