PROPOSALS to alleviate the disruption caused by local roadworks have been welcomed by the MP for North Cornwall.

The office of Conservative MP Scott Mann said new rules are being considered that would reduce disruption for families and businesses in North Cornwall who rely on local roads to get around.

It said the new rules would encourage the start of seven-day working on local roadworks.

Under the plans being considered, councils and utility companies would face paying up to £5,000 a day if motorists are needlessly inconvenienced by roadworks left in place on local A-roads over a weekend with no one working on them.

There could also be charges when temporary traffic lights are left in place.

Roadworks on council-managed A-roads would either have to continue over the weekend, minimising the length of the project, or be lifted until work was resumed.

By minimising disruption, this would mean faster and more reliable journeys on roads, benefitting local people who have had to deal with disruption on roads such as the A30 or A39.

Mr Mann’s office said the action comes alongside investment in Britain’s roads, with £15-billion being invested in England’s road network through the Road Investment Strategy for major projects to improve and renew the network.

Mr Mann said: “This is fantastic news for all the families and businesses in North Cornwall who rely on our local roads to get around.

“We all know the frustration of the disruption that roadworks can cause. By encouraging seven-day working, or the lifting of works at weekends, these changes could help minimise the inconvenience we all face.

“By taking action on roadworks, and delivering £15-billion of investment in our roads, the Conservatives are ensuring that our roads are looked after and improved for the future, with fast, reliable journeys for the working people and businesses that depend on them.”