COMPANIES must now apply for a permit before digging up roads, under a new scheme in Waltham Forest.
Utilities companies will be charged a daily rental rate for any disruptive work, with restrictions imposed on the amount of space used and length of time taken.
The council previously opted out of the London-wide scheme, which was launched in January 2010, saying it wanted to monitor its effectiveness in other areas.
Regional and Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "Everyone who lives and works in London has experienced the frustration of having their journey disrupted by road works and I want to see councils and utility companies doing all they can to reduce the problems works cause for the travelling public."
The council applied to introduce the scheme in March last year and was granted approval by the government this week.
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