In its document on ‘Reducing Disruption on Local “A” Roads’, the DfT said that it estimates around two million works take place on England’s local roads each year. That includes works carried out for local authorities maintaining the roads, and works by utility companies installing, repairing and maintaining their apparatus to deliver their services to homes and businesses.

In a statement Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Like a lot of people, I travel many miles by road and have been struck by the number of times I have been caught up in congestion on local ‘A’ roads – sometimes only to drive past the works and see nothing happening. I've also been told about sites where temporary traffic lights are left in place after works are completed, causing unnecessary delays which are a major source of frustration, not to mention a burden on the economy.

“As a result I am keen to make changes so that works on key local 'A' roads are carried out in the best way to minimise disruption.”

In response, the DfT said it’s considering options including works being carried out 7 days a week, including working at the weekend as normal working days – its preferred option – or roadwork sites being removed over the weekend. Sites left open for over two hours at weekends would incur a charge – which would be set at £5k.

Mr McLoughlin added: “I am keen to make changes so that works on key local A-roads are carried out in the best way to minimise disruption.”