NEW Government proposals to introduce seven-day working to reduce disruption caused by roadworks have been backed by Keighley and Ilkley MP Kris Hopkins, who said the initiative would bring positive benefits for families, commuters and businesses.

Under the plans, councils and utility companies would face paying up to £5,000 a day if motorists were needlessly inconvenienced by roadworks left in place on local A-roads during a weekend with no one actually working on them. There could also be financial penalties when temporary traffic lights are left in place.

Roadworks on council-managed A-roads would either have to continue during the weekend or be lifted until work was resumed.

Mr Hopkins said: “Most people get understandably frustrated when held up by unmanned roadworks.

“Requiring roads to be cleared at weekends will assist families going on day trips.

“Alternatively, should councils or contractors choose to work through weekends, the jobs themselves will be completed much more quickly, thereby minimising disruption for mums and dads on the school run, commuters and also businesses for whom lost time costs money.

“This is a sensible way to go and I would expect the proposals to win strong support from Keighley and Ilkley road users.”