ROADWORKS are like a red light to a bullish motorist. Some, of course, are a necessity. Nobody wants to see sewage flooding across the city or our taps drying up.

And improvement works to junctions, such as those taking place at Kennington roundabout, should alleviate congestion in the long term.

But integral to this is planning.

Like conducting an orchestra or choreographing a ballet, each set of roadworks needs to be considered both on its own and in the context of wider works across the city.

In isolation, temporary lights or a lane closure can be manageable.

Collectively, several sets can add hours to your journey or bring traffic to a standstill.

Its impact is felt beyond those stuck behind their steering wheels reminding everyone they own a horn.

Buses – often a vital tool for the elderly to get about – are severely delayed and routes often have to be curtailed because of driver regulations.

Taxi drivers lose money – some may not shed a tear – but that revenue is part of the local economy.

And traders, already struggling in tough economic times, will be nervously totting up their takings if people cannot get into the city and spend their cash.

There is no easy solution, particularly when emergency repairs such as those at Botley Road throw the process out of sync.

Communication is key – getting feedback from traders, transport companies and the public to take on board their concerns.

If this is achieved the summer might not be a series of snarled-up streets.