February 2010 has seen a dramatic increase in the number of roadworks, in fact 10 times as many roadworks as last February.  Research compiled by the Electronic Local Government Information Network (ELGIN), has found that the roadworks are likely to continue into March, and that the number of roadworks taking place in the first quarter of this year will exceed the total for all of last year.

This increase is partly due to the severe weather that was experienced at the end of 2009, with many councils postponing their roadworks until the weather improved.  It is also due to councils needing to spend their budget before the end of the financial year in April. Also having an impact are the preparations for the London Olympics in 2012.

The chairman of the Local Government Association Transport & Regeneration Board, Councillor David Sparks, denied that the surge in roadworks was the result of bad planning.  He said: "Councils have well thought out plans for roadworks throughout the year to keep roads in good repair". 

Full story - Times Online 02/03/10