Copenhagen has started issuing fines for delayed excavation work after years of postponements. The implementation, which began on January 1, 2025, aims to improve the coordination and efficiency of roadworks throughout the city.

Currently, 23 percent of ongoing excavation projects are delayed, a notable improvement from previous years when over half experienced delays. According to the Technical and Environmental Administration, this suggests an immediate positive impact. However, they caution that it is still too early to make definitive conclusions based on the figures.

The decision to introduce fines was made in 2016, with the intention of regulating the behavior of developers and contractors who disrupt the flow of traffic in Copenhagen. The initiative was meant to ensure that roadworks are completed on time, minimizing inconvenience to residents and businesses. Despite the political decision, the fine system was never put into practice until this year due to what the responsible mayor described as a “huge mistake” within the Technical and Environmental Administration. The exact reasons for the delay remain unclear.

As of mid-May, the administration was processing 21 fine cases. There are currently 2,770 active roadwork sites in Copenhagen.