News2010 - Utility firms will need permits to dig London Roads (December 08, 2009)
Britain's first roadworks permit system will be launched in London in the New Year.
Utility firms will be banned from digging holes in the road without first obtaining permission from Transport for London.
They will have to pay £240.00 for each permit and face fines up to £5000.00 if they break the law.
The permits are intended to tackle chaos caused when gas, electricity, water or telecoms firms carry out road works in adjacent roads at the same time without telling the authorities.
A study showed Oxford Street was dug up 176 times in a year and there were 154 sets of roadworks in the Strand.
Transport for London is wanting to force firms to pay a rental charge for everyday that they are working on a street, rather than a one-off charge. Click here to return to the News page |