roadworks & use of cones

this isn't really a grievence.  more like a slight winge with a question.  i drive a lot in the UK (30,000miles a year).  why do there seem to be roadworks everywhere i go?  why are there roadwork signs and cones everywhere- with no single person working?

i used to drive a fair bit in the new jersey/penn/new york area.  i don't remember nearly as many cones and construction sites.

i genuinely feel that the UK has a higher percentage of its roads out of action/dug up/coned out than the US.  i also think in the UK there tends to be more roadworks with no one actually working.

am i just complaining?  anyone else feel this as well?  anyone had data to support or refute my feelings?

I don't know how long you've been in this country, but this was an important political issue back in 1992 .

Try Googling 'Cones Hotline' and you will learn all you never wanted to know about John Major's Finest Hour.

and why in the middle of rush hour?  it is so bad now near us that the traffic backs up  on our street.. unheard of before..

NEVER drive in Vegas. They have been working on a road by my old house for 6 years+ with no seen improvement.

In some parts of the US it is awful.