ENFIELD commuters should find their journeys easier next year following plans to charge utility companies daily rates for roadworks.

Until now companies have paid a one-off charge to dig up the boroughs roads, but as of January 11 they will need to apply for a permit and will face a daily charge.

Enfield is one of 18 London boroughs involved in the scheme, which is aimed at reducing inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians.

A councillor has welcomed the plans, which will also mean action is taken against companies that fail to meet the conditions of their permit.

Transport for London (TfL) say any errant companies could be fined up to £5,000.

Martin Prescott, chairman of the Environment Scrutiny Panel and councillor for Winchmore Hill Ward, said he strongly supported this.

He said: "Enfield Council played a significant part in designing the permit scheme with London Councils, and has been the only borough to provide specialist training on the scheme for utility company representatives.

"I believe this is precisely the kind of thing local residents and businesses want their Council to be taking a lead on as a means to improve day-to-day living and prosperity in Enfield.

According to Mayor of London Boris Johnson, it will encourage companies to manage their time more effectively and allow TfL to more effectively co-ordinate the timing of roadworks.

Mr Johnson, who made improvements to roadworks in London one of his manifesto pledges, said the plans were long overdue.

"Drivers in London have too often been the victims of unnecessary roadworks, forced to sit stationary in traffic-clogged frustration caused by work sites reminiscent of the Mary Celeste," he said.

"If companies want to dig up the roads, they must do so in a coordinated manner that causes the minimum disruption to London."

David Brown, Managing Director of Surface Transport for TfL, said: 'Roadworks in London can cause huge amounts of congestion if not properly managed, causing frustration for everyone who uses the roads.