Utility firms may be prosecuted over road works

Utility companies that flout rules during roadworks could face prosecution, a council has said.

Kent County Council (KCC) hopes its tougher stance will make highways safer, keep traffic moving and push contractors to finish jobs more quickly, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

The authority, which has seen a sharp rise in temporary closures in recent years, said it would only take offenders to court if it believes all other "reasonable actions" had been explored.

Conservative councillor Sarah Hudson said the move was "long overdue" as some contractors "take forever and a day" to complete work.

The Growth, Environment and Transport committee heard on Thursday that evidence will be gathered against companies suspected of repeated breaches.

Details of KCC's new approach are set out in the Street Works Enforcement Policy, which went before councillors on Tuesday (13 January).

The council papers said the policy would let KCC take enforcement action against landowners and utility firms that break legal requirements or ignore orders.

It aims to improve compliance, safety and reduce disruption on Kent's roads.

The papers also said KCC is proposing two formal enforcement prosecution policies for highways, allowing action against those who break the law or disrupt road management.

KCC said it will carry out enforcement "within existing staffing and budget resources".

The council papers state each prosecution is expected to cost from £2,500.

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