New regulations that will crack down on utility companies leaving potholes behind after carrying out street works have been enacted by the Government.

The new regulations will encourage repairs to be done to a higher standard first time around

The s0-called street works regime will help stop “pothole pain” by ensuring utility company street works are inspected and the quality of their road repairs assessed, with charges for those not passing muster.

The Government said faster and higher-quality road repairs would reduce vehicle damages and ease congestion, saving drivers time and money,

Currently, about 30% of utility companies’ street works are inspected – regardless of how well those street works are carried out. The new regime will switch to a performance-based scheme whereby the best companies will be inspected less and the worst-performing companies inspected more.

Companies that leave roads in poor condition could have 100% of their street works inspected – requiring them to pay £50 per defect inspection to highway authorities and a further £120 for follow-up inspections.

While the average failure rate for street works by utility companies is currently 9%, some of the worst performers are failing inspections by as much as 63%.

Telecom companies are the worst offenders – responsible for nearly 13% of poor street work repairs.

Utility companies and local authorities will also be required to provide the Department for Transport’s street manager service with more up-to-date and accurate data on live works, including at weekends, updating sat navs and helping drivers plan ahead while easing congestion.

The inspection framework will also be reformed to help telecoms operators roll out broadband nationwide. A third of all street works are carried out by telecoms operator and the plans will help speed up broadband rollout across the country by removing restrictions on works for new customer connections. The Government said the changes will mean works can be done more quickly, but to the right standards in terms of reinstatements.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “We’re investing more than £5.5bn over this parliament to maintain roads up and down the country, and today’s measures are yet another example of how this government is on the side of motorists and other road users, leaving no stone unturned in the fight against the plague of potholes.

“The new street works regime is a victory for all road users, with motorists and cyclists able to enjoy smoother, safer and less congested journeys as we continue to level up transport across the country and grow the economy.”

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes added: “Potholes not only cause expensive damage to vehicles but are potentially lethal to those on two wheels. Utility companies have a responsibility to ensure roads are properly repaired after carrying out essential maintenance, but unfortunately far too many roads are left in a substandard condition.

“Introducing new regulations to encourage repairs to be done to a higher standard first time around will benefit all road users.”