Utility firms fined £181,000 for roadworks

Utility companies who breach roadworks permits have been fined £181,000 in the first three months of the year.

Hertfordshire County Council issued 824 fixed penalty notices to companies in the three months from 5th January 5 to 6th April, an increase of 38% compared to the same period last year.

Utilities were billed £180.720, up 67% from last year's £59,020 - an additional £121,700. That money goes back into the highways budget.

Cllr Giles-Medhurst said: "We said we would get tough with utilities and we have. I would much rather they adhered to their permits, completed their jobs correctly and on time, and cleared up afterwards so that no fines were needed.

"Until they do better - and ensure any closures or temporary lights are kept to a minimum, along with any disruption to residents – we will continue to act and issue fines where necessary."