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Councils to gain more control over road works

Posted by Greg Throughton


Motorhome owners with Reich caravan taps and other caravan appliances and accessories who are planning to travel across Britain in the coming months may be relieved to learn transport minister Norman Baker has announced plans to reduce congestion on UK highways.


Mr Baker revealed that new powers are to be devolved to local councils in a bid to give them more autonomy when dealing with road works.


The scheme will allow councils to charge utilities workers up to £2,500 for working on busy roads at peak times, incentivising companies to complete the work quickly or carry it out at off-peak periods.


It is hoped the move could reduce congestion for caravan owners setting off on their holidays and other people planning long journeys on the road.


"This disruption is not only inconvenient but very expensive, with road works-related congestion costing the economy an estimated £4 billion a year, which is why we are taking firm action," Mr Baker explained.


Last month the Department for Transport announced plans to change its motorway crash policy to cut down on traffic jams for motorists.