PLANS to make utility companies pay for permits to do roadworks have been given the green light.

Councillors hope the new scheme will give them more control over when companies do roadworks - helping them better manager potential traffic problems.

Cllr Sohail Munawar, speaking at a cabinet meeting on Monday, said: “It’s very encouraging. At the minute we have to work on their agendas. This way we will be controlling it and making sure roadworks are better controlled.” Councillors raised issues with companies giving them short notice before setting up roadworks - throwing the town’s roads into chaos. Cllr James Swindlehurst, deputy council leader, added: “We’ve been in a condition where [utility companies] have screwed us for 20 years.” The scheme could be brought in from April next year.

The council has also been given £360,000 from the Government to extend schemes aimed at reducing congestion. It will include a new east-west cycle route between Slough and Burnham railway stations, a cycle hub at Slough station and a new pedestrian wayfinding signage scheme.

Savio DeCruz, head of transport for Slough Borough Council, said: “An extension of the funding into 2015/16 will enable the council to continue to deliver a range of interventions that encourage active travel and broaden people’s travel choices.”