NEW guidance aims to help local authorities take on powers to tackle problem road works.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan published the guidance as Kent – the first council to apply for such powers – brings them into force.

Once a scheme is in place, companies must apply for a permit before they start road works and abide by conditions.

These conditions typically cover timing, coordination or the amount of road space to be left available to road users during the works.

Anyone who breaks the terms of their permit or works without a permit could be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £5,000.

The new guidance would help other local authorities develop and apply for their own permit schemes, said Mr Khan.

Road works were necessary to maintain infrastructure, said Mr Khan.

But he added: “Councils and utility companies need to do everything possible to keep disruption to a minimum for the travelling public.”

The guidance would make it easier for other councils to develop high quality permit schemes and reduce inconvenience for road users.

"This is just one part of a package of government measures to reduce the disruption caused by road works,” said Mr Khan.

“We also plan to consult on higher financial penalties for companies who allow their road works to overrun.”

Other proposals include lane rental charges for firms operating on the most traffic sensitive routes.

Guidance for councils applying for permit schemes can be found here.