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Transport and Logistics Network

South East motorists lament roadworks and sinkhole

Temporary road closure permits on the rise in Surreypublished at 08:13 British Summer Time

Jack FiehnPolitical reporter, BBC Surrey

A road ahead closed sign which is square with white letters on a red background. /p pThere is a red triangle sign with two black arrows to show a two way street and behind you can see the top of a yellow diversion sign.Image source, Getty Images

The number of permits issued to temporarily shut roads in Surrey has risen by more than 50% in the last five years.

A BBC Freedom of Information request to Surrey County Council showed that in 2020-21 there were 1,197 closures for utilities works, and this jumped to 1,866 in 2024-25.

The council said it was working with companies to improve traffic management and communication with residents.

Streetworks UK, the trade association for utilities companies, said it was "engaging constructively with highways authorities" across the country.

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