IT'S long been one of the ridiculous facts of daily life that utility companies and their contractors can dig up the roads without needing permission from the local council.

Not only that, but there is no obligation for co-ordination so one week a gas company can relay a mains, to be followed in swift succession by electricity firms and cable TV workers.

This constant digging up is not particularly good for the road, but more importantly does very little for our health and stress levels.

The announcement in the Queen's Speech to Parliament yesterday that a Roads Manager could be appointed in councils such as Swindon could spell very good news for the town and its motorists.

Granted, Swindon Council is not exactly flush with money at the moment, but this is a role that has the potential to be good value for money.

Anyone who sat in the Old Town gridlock earlier in the year which had repercussions to a much larger area than the Wood Street, Newport Street and Devizes Road triangle will attest to the frustration delays can cause.

Furthermore, businesses suffer from decreased trade in the area and from loss of earnings from employees running late.

Roadworks, like the poor, death and taxes, will always be with us. But if having one person to oversee the programmes can give us all an easier rush hour, let's give it a go.