Overview

The Roadworks (Regulation) Bill aims to improve the regulation of roadworks in England and Wales by giving authorities more power to refuse permits for disruptive works, strengthening the duty to coordinate works, and increasing charges for overrunning projects. This should lead to less traffic disruption and more efficient use of road space.

Description

This bill makes several key changes to existing legislation governing roadworks:

• Permit Refusal: It amends the Traffic Management Act 2004 to allow local authorities and the Secretary of State to refuse permits for roadworks deemed to cause unacceptable traffic disruption.
• Improved Coordination: The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 is amended to strengthen the duty of street authorities to coordinate works, requiring them to take "all practicable steps" rather than just "best endeavours".
• Increased Charges for Overruns: The bill increases penalties for companies that cause roadworks to overrun. It introduces penalty charges of up to 10% of a company's annual turnover for repeat offenders or those with overruns impacting multiple authorities, and updates the existing schedule of charges for overrunning works.
• Inflation Adjustment: The charges for overrunning roadworks will be annually adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Government Spending

The bill is expected to increase government revenue through the increased charges for overrunning roadworks. However, precise figures on the projected increase in revenue are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Local Highway Authorities: Gain more power to regulate roadworks and potentially increased revenue from penalties.
• Strategic Highways Companies: Gain more power to regulate roadworks and potentially increased revenue from penalties.
• Utility Companies (Undertakers): Face increased financial penalties for overrunning roadworks, potentially impacting their profitability.
• The Public: May experience less traffic disruption due to improved regulation and coordination of roadworks.

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