Utility companies will pay for the time they dig up busy roads in London, incentivising them to complete works at the least disruptive times, the capital’s mayor Boris Johnson has announced.
Starting from 11 June 2012, the scheme means that Transport for London can charge firms up to £2500 a day for working in congested areas or at busy times.
The move encourages utility companies and highway authorities to carry out work overnight or during offpeak hours, allowing road users more reliable journey times and less disruption.
Any additional revenue raised by the scheme will be put towards measures that could reduce disruption from roadworks, according to Johnson.
This includes researching innovations such as quick-curing materials and improved plating technology, which would allow excavations to be temporarily covered and roads to return to normal use more quickly.
