BT fined for doing work in Somerset without a valid permit
It's after work was done on Ilminster Road in Ruishton back in March
Last updated 16th Sep 2023
BT has been fined £12,000 for doing work in Somerset without a valid permit.
It's after work was done on Ilminster Road in Ruishton back in March.
The council tries to coordinate things where streets are dug up, to help reduce congestion.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Digital said: “The Council has a statutory duty to co-ordinate street works in and around the county in order to protect the public from unsafe street works, to minimise inconvenience to road users, and to protect the structure and integrity of the street.
“If we’re going to carry out this duty we need utilities onside, ensuring their contractors uphold safety standards and communicate properly with us.
“In undermining the process and potentially putting the pubic in danger they leave us with no choice but to take action – and we will continue to do so if operators carry out work without our permission.”
Taunton Magistrates court found the works had no advance warning signage, and there were no pedestrian safety measures put in place, which meant 'there was a high risk of danger' to those on foot and those on the road.
The court also took into account that BT has previous convictions for similar offences committed both within Somerset and nationwide within the past 7 years.
In total, the utility firm was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,158, plus a £2,000 victim surcharge by Taunton Magistrates.
BT pleaded guilty to the offences under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and Traffic Management Permit Scheme (England).
Despite the court giving full credit to BT for its guilty pleas 'at the earliest opportunity', the total penalty was £17,154.