Motorists to be able to drive over roadworks

Even when Karl Benz was dallying through the streets of the German town of Manheim on his four-cylinder horseless carriage back in 1895, it's likely that the motoring pioneer was - at some point - disrupted by road works.

Indeed, the seemingly random digging up of streets has become such a burden to motorists across the globe that most urban dwellers now plan for the worst and factor in at least some delays when making a trip across town.

It seems unbelievable, therefore, that it has taken up until now for some bright spark to say: "Hey, I know, how about we cover up those massive holes when we're not working, perhaps with some kind of ramp which cars can then drive over?"

But this is what has just happened in the British capital, where Transport for London (TfL) estimates that around 30,000 holes are dug in the city's roads each year without motorists or residents being given adequate notice.

What's even more frustrating to the typical driver is that many of these appear to be left unattended for days at a time, with workmen enjoying long weekends and concern over noise meaning that late mornings or early nights are out of the question.

To make life easier for everyone, therefore, London mayor Boris Johnson has now given the green light to plans to allow utilities firms to cover up their works with strong materials in order to open roads up to traffic.

In addition, any company wanting to carry out work will be required to give sufficient notice so as to minimise disruption, while a special helpline is to be set up for Londoners to report firms who break the code or works that have been left unattended.

Announcing the plans, Mr Johnson stated: "By making these pledges the utility companies have agreed that the simply incredible situation of their being allowed to dig up any road in the capital with little notice and even less co-ordination must now end.

"None of us can escape the frustration of sitting with engine idling or pedal poised at road works manned by an invisible army of workers."

While this initiative is only set to benefit motorists in London for the time being, the government has this week also given the go-ahead to a scheme aimed at relaxing traffic flow rules.

Under the new proposal, drivers approaching the first set of a series of traffic lights at just below the speed limit would trigger sensors, which will then produce a wave of green lights along the relevant stretch of road.

Notably, the authorities have been sitting on this technology for some time and have only now decided to roll it out in order to cut back on the carbon emissions produced by idling cars.

Already a success in a number of major European cities, including Amsterdam and Copenhagen, the move has been roundly welcomed by motoring groups, who claim that it is a victory for common sense and will make the journey of the typical driver far smoother and less stressful.