FIRMS who dig up roads for maintenance work in Lancashire could be fined £2,000 for every day they get behind schedule.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Lancashire County Council has decided to impose fines if contractors exceed an agreed deadline for work taking more than three days. Seventy local authorities have decided to use the powers after April 1.

The plan is a result of a new regulation that the government hopes will reduce the time taken for the resurfacing of roads, or the repair of gas, electricity, telecommunication and water equipment. Firms will also be fined for each day they leave barriers, bollards or rubble behind.

Coun Ashley Whalley, executive member for regeneration, said: "Blackburn with Darwen Council welcomes these new regulations and has been lobbying the Government for them to be introduced. We would hope that by incurring financial penalties for unreasonably prolonging street works, the various utility companies will be encouraged to ensure that works do not overrun their agreed time limits.

"Disruption to the highways is necessary for repairs and work to be carried out but it is essential that it is done within specified times to keep the disruption to a minimum.

"The implementation of the powers will assist the council in ensuring a safe usable highway network and in reducing the environmental impact of street works.

"Any reduction in delays caused by street works will assist the business community within the Borough and the general public."