It is the first time a public utility has been prosecuted for such an offence.

In the landmark case, Phoenix Natural Gas was fined �750 at Newtownabbey Magistrates Court for failing to comply with traffic safety measures.

The prosecution follows a pledge from the regional development minister Gregory Campbell to get tough on utility companies who break the law during road works.

The move also follows an audit report which criticised the disruption caused by utilities working on the roads.

'Clear message'

Over the last number of years many of Northern Ireland's roads have been dug up again and again by companies installing gas, cable television or doing electricity repairs.

Anecdotal evidence suggests it is a subject which many members of the public feel very strongly about.