To the relief no doubt of commuters everywhere, councils are to receive new powers to cut the disruption caused by road works.

Regulations introduced under the Traffic Management Act 2004 will enable local authorities to minimise the impact on motorists, pedestrians, businesses and residents. From early next year, councils will be able to impose conditions and co-ordinate all road works. Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said: "There's nothing more annoying than a road being dug up time after time in the same place, or seeing work taking place at the most inconvenient times for road users. Of course, companies like gas or water suppliers need to carry out repairs and improvements but it should be possible to co-ordinate their work better, and do it when the road isn't so busy.

"These regulations enable local authorities to minimise the level of disruption to the public - for example, councils will be able to co-ordinate work by two separate companies and prevent work being carried out during the busy rush hour.”