£5,000 fines for firms and councils that leave 'ghost' roadworks

In plans have been called a 'welcome relief' for motorists

Penalties could also be handed out to those who leave temporary traffic lights in place after work had been finished (Getty Images )

Utility companies and councils could face fines of up to £5,000 a day for leaving roadworks unmanned at weekends in an effort to reduce traffic jams.

In plans dubbed a “welcome relief” for motorists, firms could be forced to halt roadworks on weekends if they are not prepared to continue, or pay the fines.

The proposals, from the Department of Transport, are designed to reduce congestion on A-roads and quell frustrations felt by motorists held up for long periods by ‘ghost’ roadworks, where no work is taking place.

Daily fines of £5,000 are currently in place for road works that overrun, but penalties could also be issued to those who leave temporary traffic lights in place after work has finished, the government said.

The transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, said: “I want to deliver better journeys for drivers. Roadworks can be essential but that doesn’t mean they should be in place any longer than is absolutely necessary.

“That is why I am looking at proposals to reduce queues and make drivers’ lives easier. These common sense measures will be a welcome relief to those trying to get from A to B on put local roads.”

“Over Christmas we were able to lift a massive number of roadworks on trunk roads, but this package of measures will benefit drivers all year round.”

The proposals have been praised by motoring organisations.

Steve Gooding, director if the RAC Foundations, said: “Road users see red when they come across sets of temporary traffic lights that are stopping traffic but there are no workmen in sight or the work has actually finished.

"Ministers can’t stop utility companies digging up the roads but they can pay the price if the work is not done swiftly and they do not tidy up after themselves.”

The Government is investing £15 billion to improve England’s road network and address long-standing problems.

Last year it was reported a third of all car journeys were delayed by roadworks.

Additional reporting by Press Association