Roadworks permit scheme 'held up'

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The plan would dramatically reduce delays for motorists by giving local authorities and Transport for London power to fine firms for roadworks that overrun. Councils would be given greater power to coordinate work to minimise disruption.

An application to run a permit scheme was sent to the Government in July and was expected to be approved and implemented before spring next year. But two weeks ago the Department of Transport contacted Transport for London asking for more information.

The Mayor and TfL say the delay means the scheme, backed by boroughs including Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham and City of London, may be put back until 2010.

Mr Johnson accused the Government of "shilly-shallying" over a plan that could improve the lives of Londoners. He added: "I hope that the Government will take the message on board and drop its ludicrous opposition to our permit scheme."

The scheme, planned for three years, was to be introduced in April and would let TfL and local authorities to charge up to £240 for permits.

It would mean firms must give three months notice instead of the current one month before starting work, and face £120 fines if they fail to comply. Utility companies were responsible for a third of London's roadworks, half were maintenance by boroughs, and 10 per cent TfL's.

The Department of Transport denied the delay. A spokesman said: "The department has a statutory duty to ensure all schemes meet the tests set out in the legislation.

"We hope to meet with the London local authorities in the next couple of weeks to discuss their scheme."