West End councillor calls for Scottish Government to introduce charges for roadworks

A Dundee councillor has called for the Scottish Government to give local authorities the power to charge utility companies for disruptive roadworks.

Proposals being considered south of the border would give councils the power to charge utility companies, such as electricity or gas companies, by the hour if their roadworks cause significant disruption.

It is hoped the proposals would reduce the delays endured by motorists by a half.

Trials carried out in London and Kent saw severe congestion levels fall by more than 50%.

Under the proposed scheme in England, companies could avoid charges by working in the evenings or during weekends instead of during peak times.

Perth Road in Dundee has endured months of roadworks and West End councillor Fraser Macpherson said giving local authorities the power to charge utility companies would help stop projects over-running and minimise the disruption motorists have to endure.

He said: “There have been 18 months of utility works across parts of the West End and significant other utility works across the city that result in road closures and disruption.

“I have long argued that where these works overrun, the council should be given authority to charge the utility company by the day for the over-run.   

“At the moment there is no financial incentive upon utility companies to complete works within agreed timescales.”

Mr Macpherson added:  “What is being proposed in England strikes me as a very sensible idea.

“It would give utility companies a real incentive to complete works on time and therefore minimise the disruptive effects of these roadworks.

“I therefore hope the Scottish Government will take on this policy giving local authorities powers to have such charging policy for utility works. I have no doubt it will reduce road congestion and that has to be a good thing.”

Over the past year and a half several sections of Perth Road have been closed for a variety of reasons, from upgrading water mains to resurfacing work.

Many traders in the area have complained about how the closures have harmed their businesses.