This week Minster for Transport – and MP for neighbouring Tooting – Sadiq Khan announced new powers for councils in London to prevent road works overrunning and causing disruption.

Councils will be allowed to co-ordinate street work to minimise delays, and stiffer fines will be introduced for companies failing to complete works on time. The new system will require companies to get a permit in advance and pay fines of up to £5,000 if the terms are broken.

Road works are necessary from time to time, but it is important that the inconvenience to businesses, residents and the travelling public are is minimised. The action the government is taking will ensure that road works cause as little congestion as possible.

Sadiq Khan said: “Everyone understands that road works can be necessary but the disruption being caused, and the constant inconvenience to the travelling public, is way beyond what is acceptable.

“I have spent a lot of time visiting sites around the country, and the impact on traffic is chaotic. Road works are stopping buses from running on time, harming local economies because of increased congestion and blocking routes to shops and commercial premises.”