THE INDEPENDENT
By Sam Lister
Utility companies would be charged by the hour for digging up busy roads in England under government proposals.
Hitting firms with a bill could halve the number of delays motorists face, according to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.
Around 2.5 million roadworks are carried out every year, costing the economy an estimated £4bn in lost working hours and delayed deliveries.
The Department for Transport is consulting on plans following trials in London and Kent and is set to introduce reforms in 2019.