Dr Ben Spencer MP has called for financial penalties for utility companies who cause "unnecessary delays" by taking too long to complete roadworks.
After responding to a Government consultation on street works, our Conservative MP for Runnymede & Weybridge, said: "Too many residents face unnecessary daily delays and disruption due to street works which is having an increasingly serious negative impact on our communities."
Dr Ben continued: "In response to my recent survey of residents, 90% of respondents stated they had regularly faced delay and disruption from local road and street works. 69% have experience delays getting to work. 35% have been delayed getting their children to school. 22% have missed or been late for medical appointment due to the disruption. And 20% state their business or income has been negatively affected.
"This issue is affecting jobs, education, access to healthcare and the broader economy, and more action is needed. While I support the Government proposals for extra measures and strengthened enforcement, I believe the plans could go further."
Dr Ben is calling for:
- Stronger financial penalties for poorly managed or poor quality street works.
- Expansion of enforcement powers to also consider disruption caused due to inaction or long-term underinvestment in utilities infrastructure.
- Allowing overrun charges to apply at weekends and bank holidays.
- Reform of highways funding to reflect road usage, so we have adequate funds to meet road maintenance and repair needs.
- Mandatory co-ordination and consideration of the cumulative effect of street works, road works, and diversion routes.
- Serious consideration of changes to ensure no licenses for non-essential street works could be granted in the vicinity of diversion routes.
He added: "I want to thank everyone who has contacted me on these issues and who shared their views and priorities with me. I will continue to campaign to deliver improvements across our transport networks so Runnymede and Weybridge remains the best place to live and work."