RAC comment on DfT launching consultation on increasing utility firms’ roadworks guarantee

The Department for Transport has today launched a consultation that could lead to utility companies having to guarantee their road repairs for up to five years – three years more than they have to currently.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “This on the face of it is a very sensible and welcome idea. Utility company roadworks should not lead to an overall worsening of road surface quality. While lane rental is also a very positive step to ensuring utility company works don’t overrun, the quality of their work shouldn’t suffer so this guarantee should also prevent this happening.

“The next logical step that could make a far greater difference to the standard of the country’s local road network is to ensure all road contractors working for local authorities have to provide the same guarantee. The quality of road maintenance, whether that’s repairs or resurfacing, needs to come under closer scrutiny to guard against substandard workmanship. This way every pound spent on our roads would last longer and motorists would have far better surfaces to drive on.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest News

Website preview
Latest provisional data shows road fatalities rose in 2024
Following the publication of this new provisional government dataset: RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said:
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
National Parking Platform to launch - RAC reaction
Platform allows drivers to choose to use one of six mobile parking payment apps, simplifying parking
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
‘Double dose of delays’ on the cards for drivers making 18m bank holiday trips
Motorists advised to travel later in the day as most journeys are planned between 5am and midday
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to nearly 14 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app