London’s transport bosses have been forced to prosecute Virgin Media, one of their own high-profile sponsors, after the firm’s roadworks endangered road users.
The cable company sponsors TfL’s flagship WiFi service on the London Underground.
The prosecution relates to an incident in Sutton last October in which Virgin’s contractors failed to ensure site safety and breached the conditions of their roadworks permit.
Virgin Media pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay more than £8,000 by Westminster Magistrate’s Court.
Earlier this year the company was fined £14,300 “for endangering the lives of residents and motorists” after it was prosecuted by Richmond Council for carrying out unsafe street works.
And it faces a further prosecution by Transport for London after contractors excavated the entire width of the A316 Chertsey Road during peak hours, causing ”severe delays” to road users in the area.
Leon Daniels, Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL, accused Virgin Media of showing “wanton disregard for Londoners” and warned other utility companies risked court action if they too disrupted road users.
The firm’s repeated failure to abide by permit conditions and safety rules has also been criticised by Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the London Assembly.
Ms Pidgeon said: “Virgin Media are testing the patience of Londoners by their blatant disregard for road users. Their actions have now caused totally unnecessary disruption in both Sutton and Richmond.”
“I welcome Transport for London’s prosecution of Virgin Media but if their behaviour does not quickly change it might well be necessary for further sanctions to be considered, including the ultimate option of TfL dropping Virgin Media as a partner organisation.”
