Michael Gove, shadow children's secretary, accused workmen of starting late, clocking off early and of a "criminal" lack of activity. He contrasted the Government's approach of pressing ahead with large construction projects to counter the recession with the lack of work happening on the roads. "Who is allowing so many streets to be fenced off for months at a time and then allowing the people allegedly improving our infrastructure to work days so incredibly short?" Writing in The Times, he adds. "And do they mind making every journey twice the length it should be, with twice the carbon emissions?"