BROMLEY and Lewisham councils are taking part in a three-month consultation over regulating street works and easing congestion.

The London Permit Scheme proposes that any company wanting to dig up London roads has to apply for a permit.

The scheme, which is being considered by Transport for London and 18 of the capital’s boroughs, could be in place by the end of this year.

It aims to ensure that street works are undertaken as quickly as possible to help reduce traffic jams.

An estimated one million holes are dug in London’s roads each year, with little or no regulation and around 90 per cent of works are currently carried out with less than 10 days notice to the highway authority.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson says the scheme will stop utility companies digging up roads with reckless abandon.

He said: “Londoners are fed up with being stuck in queues while the traffic cones and work sites litter the streets without a workman in sight.

“I made a pledge that I would put an end to this archaic system, and this process will bring us a step closer.”

Managing director of surface transport at TfL David Brown said: “This scheme will help to bring an end to the situation where the same stretch of road is dug up repeatedly by different companies.

“Organisations will have to properly plan and coordinate their works with others and display notices explaining what they are doing and when they will be finished, and our job, along with the other highway authorities, will be to ensure that this takes place.”

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