Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Deferred
Impose full overrun charges for street works leaving equipment/signs post-completion.
Conclusion
Leaving equipment or signs in place that imply to the public that street works are still ongoing when they have finished should attract a full overrun charge. (Recommendation, Paragraph 22)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees in principle that road closure signage should indicate the exact location but expresses concerns about potential safety risks. It commits to taking the recommendation away for further consideration with safety experts to balance clarity and safety.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
We appreciate the Committee’s focus on improving clarity for road users. We agree in principle that road closure signage should clearly indicate the exact location of the closure, as this helps drivers make informed decisions and reduces confusion particularly in areas with complex road layouts. However, we are mindful of any potential safety risks associated with providing too much detailed information on roadside signage. Excessive text or overly specific instructions could distract drivers and affect road safety. It is also important to note that for exact location information to be useful to drivers, they would need a detailed knowledge of the local road network and street names. Without this, the benefit of such specificity would be limited. Digital tools such as Street Manager and wayfinding apps already provide detailed information on the location of street works, which can complement physical signage and help inform road users. We will take this recommendation away for further consideration with safety experts, including leads from the Highway Authorities and Utilities Companies (HAUC). Our goal is to strike the right balance between clarity and safety for all road users.