Service FAQ questions |

main content Roadworks frequently asked questions

What are typical streetworks?

Streetworks are carried out by utility companies – our role in this is to act as a coordinator. We meet regularly with the utilities to coordinate works, in order to minimise the disruption to residents and road users.

However, in the event of an emergency, a utility company has the right to start work immediately, although they will have to inform us that work has taken place.

What are typical roadworks?

By roadworks we mean maintenance and major resurfacing work – the aim of roadworks is to ensure that the roads are safe for road users.

In the borough, most roadworks are carried out by the Council's contractor. The exception to this are Red Routes, which are maintained by Transport for London’s contractor. Red Routes run along the A21 from the M25 to the Lewisham boundary at Bromley Hill and the A232 from Locksbottom (Croydon Road) to the boundary with Croydon at West Wickham High Street.

Why are roadworks necessary?

With the increasing number of cars on our roads, we have to carry out both minor and major repairs regularly, in order to keep the roads in the safest condition.

Without regular inspections and maintenance work, our roads would eventually need major refurbishment, which would cause considerably more disruption and delay.

How are roadworks planned and scheduled?

All roads are inspected on a regular basis and the results form the roadworks programme. Regular maintenance is carried out to try and keep disruption to a minimum.

We take a number of factors into consideration when programming work, including school term dates and tourist seasons, as these affect the volume of traffic on the roads. Wherever possible, roadworks are scheduled for the least busy periods to relieve congestion. We work to minimise disruption to residents in the day time and particularly at night.

How are road users kept informed?

We inform road users of work as far in advance as we can. We place warning signs at key locations, provide details on our website, inform the local media, and hand-deliver information to residents who will be directly affected by works.