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UTILITY companies that cause traffic chaos by needlessly digging up roads will face big fines.

They could be slapped with a parking ticket-style fixed penalty fine up to £120 for not giving proper notice about their work.

The change in law by the Government means that councils can now hand out the fines to water, electricity, gas and cable companies who dig up our roads.

Under the rules, companies have to give longer notice before they start work to help plan better alternatives for motorists.

Clr Paul Kenny - Fairfield and Howley said: "Utility companies need to dig up the road to maintain essential services such as gas, electricity and water.

"However, they need to follow the rules and consider the impact on road users and the local residents.

"These fixed penalty notices are an additional tool to encourage utility companies to give accurate and timely notices of works, thus helping councils co-ordinate street works, reducing disruption for road users, residents and businesses."

Before the new rules were agreed councils had to take utilities companies to court for breaking rules. Now they can issue fixed penalties, of up to £120 dropping to £80 if paid within 29 days.

12:44pm Thursday 22nd May 2008

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