Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend raises such an important matter, and I join him in celebrating the crucial lifesaving work done by mountain rescue teams in his area and across the country. His is a very beautiful area for both residents and the many visitors he gets. Unfortunately, mountain rescue teams are very active at all times of year, and they do an absolutely fantastic job. I know that Members have welcomed, as he has, the changes to vehicle excise duty announced in the Budget, but there are perhaps other things we can explore. If he seeks an Adjournment debate, or uses the pre-recess Adjournment debate to amplify his message, we will see where that leads.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

The residents of Littleborough, Smithy Bridge and Rochdale have been plagued by roadworks on the A58, and they have suffered appalling delays as a result. They have been late for work, school and hospital appointments. Given that the privatised water company United Utilities is responsible for many of these roadworks, often because of years of neglect of its pipework, can we have a debate on the changes in the law needed to end the misery on the A58, and other roads like it?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising such an important point, and therefore amplifying it, so that it is heard by Members across this Chamber and anyone who happens to be listening. Roadworks have been raised with me many times in these sessions, and rightly so. We know how disruptive street works can be for local communities. That is why we are doubling fixed penalty notices in the new year for certain street work offences, and extending overrun charges to cover weekends and bank holidays. As roads get busier in the run-up to Christmas, I have no doubt but that many people will be frustrated, and we need to tackle this. He may wish to raise this matter next Thursday, or indeed in an Adjournment debate, because this issue applies in not just his constituency, but virtually all our constituencies.