Congestion caused by over-running roadwork costs Britain £8.6 billion a year, according to research.

Roadside rescue firm, the RAC, also revealed that utility companies dig 2.5 million trenches in the country's roads annually, which is the equivalent of 1,500 Albert Halls.

The RAC wants to see an end to over-running and poorly co-ordinated roadworks.

"Trenches dug by utility companies cause congestion and delay, and can permanently weaken the road surface," said Sheila Rainger, acting director of the RAC Foundation.

"The Traffic Management Act increases the powers of local authorities in England and Wales to set binding start and finish dates, order re-surfacing work, and fine those companies who abuse the system," she added.

"We urge all local authorities to exercise these powers as strongly as possible, whether through the new fixed penalty schemes or through court action."

The government recently allocated additional funding to local authorities to help them explore congestion-busting initiatives.

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