How to avoid roadworks roadblocks

With over 425,000 miles of UK roadworks logged in the past year – a 110% hike from 2023 – it’s no wonder fleet managers are hitting more unexpected delays. Lane closures, temporary lights, emergency digs, diverted routes... it's a full-on roadwork zone out there.

Many of these disruptions stem from national infrastructure projects, including the government’s pledge to roll out full-fibre broadband. While these works are necessary for long-term improvements, they’re creating short-term chaos for businesses that rely on our roads to keep operations running. 

The result? Longer journeys, more fuel burned, and rising frustration for both drivers and customers. 

Here’s how to reduce the impact of roadwork-related delays and keep your fleet on the move.

1. Longer travel times

Even small diversions can derail a well-planned day. Temporary traffic lights, one-way systems and last-minute closures force vehicles to take longer routes, costing businesses both time and money. What should be a 20-minute delivery slot can easily stretch to 40.

2. More fuel and less efficiency

Stop-start traffic eats away at fuel economy. Vehicles spend more time idling, engines work harder in congested zones, and detours add mileage. Every extra minute is fuel down the drain.

3. Driver fatigue

Extended shifts and constant rerouting takes a toll on your team. It’s harder for drivers to stay focused when they’re navigating around closures or slow-moving traffic. Over time, this increased stress can lead to reduced alertness, poor decision-making and higher safety risks.

You can’t stop roadworks, but you can better plan around them. Smart scheduling and route planning can dramatically reduce delays, improve fuel efficiency and help drivers feel more in control.

1. Re-route in real time 

Use tools like Google Maps, Waze or integrated fleet software to check for traffic incidents and road closures before your drivers set off. Encourage them to recheck routes at the start of each shift to avoid any surprise roadworks.

2. Go off-peak where possible

Some delays can be avoided simply by shifting delivery windows. If your business allows for it, schedule travel during off-peak hours or outside of school run and rush hour periods. Overnight or early-morning routes may bypass roadworks entirely.

3. Keep drivers in the loop

Real-time communication makes a big difference. Use messaging platforms or dispatch tools to alert your drivers to new roadworks, detours or delays. A 30-second heads-up can save 30 minutes stuck in queueing traffic.

When roadworks throw a spanner in your schedule, technology can help you stay ahead.

1. Telematics tracking 

Monitor driver behaviour, vehicle performance, and stop-start patterns. Use this data to pinpoint where time is being lost and fuel is being wasted, whether it’s due to road closures or inefficient driving.

2. Fuel management tools

Track fuel spend by journey, driver or vehicle. Notice a sudden spike in usage? It could signal a recurring detour, over-idling, or more time spent in congested zones. The sooner you know, the sooner you can act.

3. Real-time reporting

Visibility is key when routes change fast. Access to up-to-date data means you can spot anomalies, like overspending or unexpected mileage, and quickly identify if it’s a route issue, a driver habit, or both.

Delays and detours might be outside of your control, but what you spend at the pump doesn’t have to be. fuelGenie helps you stay on top of fuel spend even when the road ahead gets bumpy. Here’s how:

• Track spend: Quickly spot extra costs caused by long routes and delays. 
• Set spend limits: Stay in control when journeys overrun. • Plan refuelling: Direct drivers to supermarket stations on major routes to avoid pricier motorway stops. 
• Monitor usage: Compare fuel consumption between drivers and journeys to improve efficiency. 
• Save on every litre: With access to 1,350+ low-cost locations, you’ll spend less even if your drivers travel more. 

Need even more coverage? Upgrading to fuelGenie+ unlocks 2,200 additional sites – including Shell garages on major A-roads – giving your team more options when diversions strike.

By planning smarter, using real-time tools, and giving your drivers the support they need, you can reduce the impact of roadwork chaos. Add in fuel tracking and cost controls, and you’ll have the insights to stay flexible, efficient and on-budget – even when routes change daily.

Because when your fuel setup helps you navigate the unexpected, you can stop worrying about every detour and focus on driving your business forward.