A joint £1 million fund to research and develop new technology to reduce the disruption caused by road works has been announced.

The initiative was made by the Transport Secretary Philip Hammond and the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

The money will fund an 18-month project by the Transport Research Laboratory to examine innovative engineering techniques which could see utilities use temporary road surfacing methods and fast-setting replacement road surfaces.

This would allow utility companies to carry out more work at quieter times and re-open roads during peak traffic periods to reduce delays and disruption.

Funding will be provided equally by the Department for Transport and Transport for London.

"Everyone knows how frustrating the delays caused by road works can be, which is why we want utilities and local authorities to be able to make the most of the technology available to help keep disruption to a minimum," said Philip Hammond.

"This project will investigate how innovative engineering can provide greater flexibility and allow more road works to be carried out at times when the travelling public will be least inconvenienced," he added.

It has also been confirmed that work is progressing at the DfT on drafting regulations for a lane rental scheme which would incentivise utilities and other companies to carry out road works during the less busy periods of the day. If approved regulations could be in place by the end of the year.