Roadworks could be limited to two miles at a time under new plans to beat congestion

Transport secretary calls for rules to apply to motorways and A roads
Roadworks: Stretches of dug-up road longer than two miles could be banned
Scott Barbour/Getty Images
Ramzy Alwakeel22 September 2015

Lengthy roadworks could be banned under Whitehall plans to ease traffic on England’s groaning road network.

Highways bosses have been asked to block plans for any more than two miles of road to be dug up at once, The Times reports.

The aim is to combat congestion on motorways and major A roads, which frequently grind traffic to a miserable crawl on routes such as the M1. Five sets of roadworks spanning 100 miles there have disrupted travel along the main north-to-south corridor for years.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has told Highways England to enforce new rules to help drivers cope while a £15 billion road investment plan is put into action, according to the paper.

He has also asked for roadworks to be better advertised to drivers so they can plan alternative routes.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “Our road investment strategy will deliver the biggest upgrade to Britain’s roads in a generation and secure our transport network for the long-term.

“But as it is delivered we’ve got to respect the drivers who use our roads every day. That means taking common-sense decisions to minimise frustrations wherever possible.”

The move suggests engineers will carry out improvements on smaller stretches rather than in large chunks.

A Highways England spokesman added: “We want to provide a better, safer experience for road users on England’s motorways and major A roads, including throughout roadworks where major upgrades are being carried out.

“We are committed to minimising disruption from roadworks even further and are exploring managing work in different ways while ensuring good value for money for the public.”

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation research charity, said: “Putting out mile after mile of cones in one go might suit contractors but can drive motorists to distraction.

“Most road users will have negotiated endless stretches of coned-off carriageway where there is little or no sign of activity.

“Maintenance work is welcome but must be well planned. Drivers should be adequately informed of what is going on and when it is going to end. Our motorways are already the busiest in Europe. Taking away lane space should be done carefully and considerately.”

Additional reporting by Press Association

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