STREET WORKS

Early day motion 871, tabled 20 June 2000 by Lord Fearn (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 64 members.

That this House condemns the chaos and disruption caused to all road users by utility companies digging up the road; notes that research by the RAC Foundation has shown the cost to the taxpayer in delays caused by street works is now well over ú100 million a year; believes that a more co-ordinated approach to street works and the congestion they cause is needed to stop the problem from worsening; welcomes the recent announcement by Her Majesty's Government that they intend to implement section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 so as to penalise those utility companies that fail to co-ordinate their work; and encourages Her Majesty's Government to implement the fines-based scheme as soon as possible to end the misery caused to all road users.

Signatures by party: Labour 32, Liberal Democrat 28, Labour/Co-operative 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.