A NEW proposal to crackdown on the disruptions caused by roadworks on local roads has been welcomed by the MP for Torridge and West Devon.

The proposal outlines new rules to be considered that would reduce the disruption caused to families and businesses.

Geoffrey Cox MP said: “This is fantastic news for all the families and businesses in Torridge and West Devon who rely on our local roads to get around.”

Under the new rules being considered, seven-day working on roadworks would be encouraged and 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 during weekends when no work is being done.

There could also be charges imposed where temporary traffic lights are left in place unnecessarily.

Mr Cox said: “We all know the frustration of the disruption that roadworks can cause, as we’ve had to deal with the lengthy closure of the A386.

“By encouraging seven-day working, or the lifting of works at weekends, these changes could help minimise the inconvenience we all face.”

The proposal is for roadworks on council-managed A-roads to either be continued over the weekend, thereby minimising the length of a project, or be lifted until work can be resumed.

A decrease in disruption would result in more reliable and faster journeys that would benefit local people.

This action comes alongside announcements of investments to be made into England’s road networks, with £15-billion being invested through the Road Investment Strategy into major projects to help improve and renew roads.

Mr Cox added: “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.”