Westmorland and Furness Council has brought a successful prosecution after roadworks were carried out without permits and to an inadequate standard.
At Barrow Magistrates Court, British Telecommunications Ltd pleaded guilty to an offence of failing to reinstate the road adequately and undertaking works without a permit and was fined £9,000 in total for both offences.
The offences took place in January in the parish of Seathwaite, within the Lake District National Park. The company carried out significant roadworks, installing more than three miles of underground duct and 20 carriageway chambers, without following correct procedures for closing the road or with appropriate permits in place.
The council had refused the issue of a permit due to several being needed to cover the whole works and road closures being required, without which the works would be considered dangerous. The works performed also left the road in an inadequate state and not at the required standard.
British Telecommunications Ltd was charged under Section 71 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and Regulation 19 of the Traffic Management Permit Scheme (England) Regulations 2007.
As well as being fined, the company was ordered to pay the council’s costs of £5,000 and a victim surcharge of £2,000.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways, IT and Ferry, said: “We don’t like having to prosecute utility companies as we recognise the important work they do. However, we do insist that this work is done to a proper standard, to strict health and safety regulations and that permits are properly applied for.
“We will continue to demand the highest standards from anyone working on the public highway in Westmorland and Furness.”