Utility companies fined for street works offences

THREE utility companies have been ordered to pay fines and costs totalling more than �17,000 for road works offences. Western Power was fined �5,500 for eight charges of failing to re-instate roads at Charles Avenue in Bideford, Exeter Street and North

THREE utility companies have been ordered to pay fines and costs totalling more than �17,000 for road works offences. Western Power was fined �5,500 for eight charges of failing to re-instate roads at Charles Avenue in Bideford, Exeter Street and North Street in North Tawton, Iter Park in Bow, Mortonhampstead Road and Abbey Road in Bovey Tracey, Priory View in Cornworthy and Brixham Road in Kingswear.The company was also ordered to pay costs of �1,365.60 by Exeter Magistrates. Wales & West Utilities was fined �8,000 and ordered to pay �1,062.78 in costs by Exeter Magistrates for 16 charges of failing to reinstate roads at:Brecon Close in East the Water; Windmill Lane in Northam; Hills View in Braunton; Pilton Street in Barnstaple; Princess Street in Ilfracombe; Holly Road, Courtney Road and Barton Road in Tiverton; Lynwood Avenue and Wentworth Gardens in Exeter; Mary Street and Brimley Road in Bovey Tracey; Bewhay Gardens in Dartington; Fairview Road in Dartmouth; Rack Park Road and Renney Road in Kingsbridge. BT was fined �1,200 and ordered to pay �454.98 in costs by Exeter Magistrates for failing to sign and guard works at Meadow Street and George Street in Exmouth between December 3 and 5, 2008.Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 utility companies are legally required to ensure that any part of the public highway they dig up is properly reinstated and that while works are carried out they are signed and guarded to protect the public and the workforce.