The Department of Transport wants to fine councils and utility companies up to £5,000 a day if roadworks are left in place over a weekend on local A roads with no one actually working on them.
Similar charges could also be levied on those who leave temporary traffic lights in place after work has been completed.
Contractors will either have to work over the weekend or lift the works until they resume.
The move appears to mirror the government’s attempts to introduce seven-day working in the National Health Service, which has led to recent strikes by doctors.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “I want to deliver better journeys for drivers. Roadworks can be essential, but that doesn’t mean they should be in place any longer than is absolutely necessary. That is why I am looking at proposals to reduce queues and make drivers’ lives easier. These common-sense measures will be a welcome relief to those trying to get from A to B on our local roads.”
Utility companies already face penalties of £5,000 per day for roadworks that overrun.
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