Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nicola Richards and Mark Francois

Thursday 13th July 2023 Commons Chamber

[Nicola Richards (West Bromwich East) (Con)]

3. What recent steps he has taken with Cabinet colleagues to reduce disruption caused by roadworks.

[Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) (Con)]

10. What recent steps he has taken with Cabinet colleagues to reduce disruption caused by roadworks.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Richard Holden)]

Roadworks are essential to ensure the safety and integrity of England’s highway network, and it is also essential that utility companies can install and repair the equipment on which we all rely. Some disruption is inevitable, but the Government have introduced several initiatives, such as Street Manager, to reduce that. Another tool, lane rental schemes, allows local highway authorities to charge works promoters for the time that street works and roadworks occupy the highway. Charges are focused on the very busiest streets at the busiest times, with the aim of reducing congestion.