A tough new permit scheme which would see utilities firms fined for letting roadworks drag on has been endorsed by Bradford Council.

Under the congestion-busting scheme, anyone wanting to carry out roadworks in certain streets would have to buy a permit from the Council.

The permits would allow contractors to work on a street for a limited amount of time, which would have to be booked in advance. Fines could then be imposed if the work over-ran.

The Yorkshire-wide scheme has been developed by Leeds City Council and Yorkshire Water. Leeds and Kirklees councils have already taken it on, and are reporting a reduction in road delays as a result.

Highways experts estimate that adopting the scheme across the Bradford district could prevent motorists from suffering more than 43,621 hours of delayed journeys each year.

It is also expected to reduce emissions caused by vehicles in queues, and save £492,000 being lost to the economy because people can’t get to work.

Yesterday Bradford Council’s executive voted to adopt the scheme, subject to a consultation and Government approval.