Kent motorists give their views on the pioneering scheme when it was announced in July

Here's some good news for anyone who has ever been stuck in traffic through road works that have overrun - from today, the culprits are set to be fined thousands of pounds!

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan announced last summer Kent was to introduce a permit scheme allowing the county council more power to control road works and take tough action if they run late. And the scheme comes into effect today.

Anyone carrying out road works will have to apply for a permit from KCC in advance. Conditions will be set on timing, coordination and the amount of road that must be left free for motorists.

Anyone in violation will be forced to pay a fine of up to £2,500 per day.

KCC cabinet member for environment, highways and waste Cllr Nick Chard said: "We asked the residents of Kent what they wanted and the answer was fewer traffic jams.

"We all drive on the roads and use the services provided by utility companies. These have to be repaired and maintained. This is all about managing those works for the benefit of our road users and residents."

Speaking in July, Mr Khan said: "We want Kent to blaze a trail which will see other councils coming forward with similar high quality schemes to reduce inconvenience for all those who use the roads."

Councils have been able to apply to the Department for Transport for permission to run permit schemes since April 2008 - but KCC is the first to successfully do so.

It is the first authority outside London to crack down on overrunning roadworks.