A GOVERNMENT scheme to be trialed in Lewisham and Bromley boroughs will give the councils more powers to tackle the disruption caused by roadworks.

Companies wanting to carry out works will have to apply to the respective council for a permit before they start working.

The council will be able to set conditions on how long the roadwork can take and the amount of road used.

They will also be able to co-ordinate works so companies have to do their work at the same time as others.

Companies who break the terms of their permit or work without a permit will be fined.

The scheme was announced at a summit hosted by Transport Minister Sadiq Khan at Aston University today.

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

“Roadworks are stopping buses from running on time, harming local economies because of increased congestion and blocking routes to shops and commercial premises.

“I hope the tough permit scheme will help us bring an end to the chaos that too often surrounds road works.”

The London permit scheme is being trialed by Transport for London and 18 London boroughs – Bromley, Lewisham, Barnet, Brent, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Redbridge, Wandsworth and City of Westminster.