The move was announced by Transport Minister Norman Baker and is, naturally, aimed at cutting the amount of road works that go on and on, and the traffic chaos they cause.

At the moment, the maximum amount a council can fine a company for late road work completion is £2,500 per day. However, from October councils will be able to fine £5,000 per day for the first three days, then £10,000 for every day thereafter.

Announcing the plan, Mr Baker said that “these changes are in line with…our desire to see congestion caused by road works reduce, and for utilities and others who work in our streets to be held accountable for that congestion.”

As part of the deal, fines collected by councils will have to be ring fenced for “implementing transport policies,” although quite what that covers is not clear.