Fines for unpermitted roadworks to double

The amount that councils can fine utility companies for unpermitted roadworks or works that overrun their permit is to be doubled from the new year.

Each year some 60,000 roadworks are undertaken across the county, most of which are carried out by utility companies. While most works are carried out in a planned way and to a high standard, when works are unplanned or poorly managed it has a knock-on effect that causes problems and delays to all road users.

On 22nd September, Hertfordshire County Council wrote to the Department for Transport over concerns that that the current level of penalties that can be levied for poor or unplanned works was an insufficient deterrent and called for them to be increased.

The county council has now received confirmation from the Department that from the New Year, the level of penalties will be doubled.

From the New Year, penalties will increase to £1000 for works without a permit, and £240 for breaching permit conditions.

Too often companies who undertake works on our roads do so with little consideration for the negative impact they can have on road users, especially when those works are done without permission, fail to remove temporary traffic lights and open roads when works are finished. That is why I felt compelled to act on behalf of residents. “After requesting that Government increase the fines that can be levied on utility companies to act as a deterrent for such behaviour, I welcome confirmation from the Department for Transport that from the New Year, penalties for unplanned or substandard works will be doubled.” “Roads are the arteries that keep our county moving and I’ll continue to use every lever available to make sure we have the best road network in the country. 

:: Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways, Hertfordshire County Council