Review roadworks rules to prevent unnecessary lane closures

Open for signatures 40 signatures

What the petition asks

We call for a Government review of roadworks rules so lanes aren’t shut with cones or barriers if the lane is not required for active works. Rules should ensure that cones only go out right before work starts and get picked up straight after the day’s job is done, to stop unnecessary traffic jams.

Pointless lane closures are causing chaos on roads all over the UK. It has been reported that roadworks are up 110% since 2023, to 425,524 miles in 2025 and in our view often with no sign of any work happening. Drivers are losing 62 hours a year in traffic (101 in London), satisfaction with roads has dropped to 68.6%, and we think this ups the chance of accidents from annoyed people behind the wheel. We believe that right now, the rules aren’t properly enforced, which lets this mess continue—we need real changes to make driving smoother and less frustrating for everyone.

Timeline

15 Apr 2026

Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 40

Status Open for signatures

Department Department for Transport

Opened 15 Apr 2026

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