Companies using lighting towers and roadforms on civil engineering projects such as roadworks have been handed new government guidance.

Firms in the construction industry will soon be required to apply for a permit before they start work and also meet strict conditions.

For example, a pre-determined amount of road space must be left available to drivers while work is in progress.

Councils will also be able to take tougher action against companies if they breach any of the conditions and fail to meet their deadline for completion.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan commented: "This is just one part of a package of government measures to reduce the disruption caused by roadworks."

He said roadworks are necessary to keep essential infrastructure working effectively, but noted that councils and utility companies must be able to do what they can to reduce the amount of disruption for local people.

Kent County Council is the first authority in the UK to take advantage of the scheme.

Councillor Nick Chard said better coordination of roadworks would help to minimise the amount of time traffic is disrupted and reduce delays.