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Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 February 2026. It was answered by Simon Lightwood (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Road Works: Utilities

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2026, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of doubling fixed‑penalty notices and extending overrun charges for utility companies whose roadworks exceed agreed deadlines.

Answer

The Department has recently strengthened the powers available to local highway authorities through the Street and Road Works (Charges and Penalties) (Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025. These measures are intended to support councils in coordinating utility works more effectively and encourage timely completion of roadworks, including during major transport infrastructure projects.

These enforcement powers operate alongside lane rental schemes, which allow authorities to charge up to £2,500 per day for works on the busiest roads at the busiest times.

As the Regulations only came into force in January 2026, it is too early to assess their full impact. The Department will review the strengthened penalty regime and the expanding use of lane rental schemes as evidence becomes available, to ensure they collectively support more efficient coordination of street works and reduce disruption to road users.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
115592
Session
2024-26
Related items
Topical Questions
Thursday, 12 February 2026
Oral answers to questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Fixed penalties Utilities Road works
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk