Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney has welcomed a plan to introduce fines for unmanned roadworks.
The Department of Transport unveiled proposals to bill councils and utility companies up to £5,000 per weekend day they are left in place on A-roads when no work is taking place.
The aim of the plans, which also applies to temporary traffic lights, is to reduce congestion by either encouraging seven day working or lifting works at weekends.
“This is fantastic news for all the families and businesses in Colne Valley, Holme Valley and Lindley, who rely on our local roads to get around.
Mr McCartney, said: “We all know the frustration of the disruption that roadworks can cause.
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“By encouraging 7-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.”
Steve Hall, Kirklees Council’s portfolio holder for planning, highways and open spaces and Labour councillor, said he was “more in favour than not” of the Government’s plan.
“It is utility companies who do most of the work on our roads when digging up pipes etc.
“It does annoy me when they leave signs out because they can be a hazard in bad weather and can also be confusing for drivers.
“Even when they finish, sometimes they leave signs around because they want to get away quickly.
“The council does contact them to tell them left roadworks are a danger.
“ I don’t think it would be a risk for the council because when we have to dig up a road we do it as quickly as we can and clear up when we’re done as people will otherwise get onto our backs straight away.”
