Utility firms have been warned they face prosecution unless they comply with the capital’s roadworks permit scheme.
The warning comes after Transport for London successfully prosecuted BT and Cable & Wireless after “a spate” of roadwork offences, resulting in fines of £5,000 and orders to pay TfL’s costs.
In 2010 Transport for London and 18 London boroughs implemented a new permitting scheme on roads managed by them. The scheme requires utilities to co-ordinate work in order to reduce disruption to road users.
Transport for London says more than £20,000 has been won in the last 12 months against utility companies for eight separate offences.
Leon Daniels, Managing Director for Surface Transport said: “Roadworks offences by any utility company cause significant disruption to all road users, as well as having a knock on effect to local businesses across London.
“Those companies should be aware that we will continue to prosecute where infringements occur; and we will continue to work to further reduce roadworks disruption across London, helping to make journeys for pedestrians, cyclists and road users smoother for all.”
