Virgin Media fined more than £56,000 because of unsafe roadworks
Somerset County Council has issued the fines in relation to five offences
Last updated 9th Jun 2024
Virgin Media has been handed fines topping £56,000 by Somerset County Council because of unsafe roadworks.
Virgin Media Ltd was handed the fines after being found guilty of five offences - including failing to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
It's as Somerset County Council is responsible for managing the road network.
Earlier this year, the prosecuted the broadband company as part of its 'commitment to minimising disruption and keeping the public safe.'
The case was heard at Taunton Magistrates Court earlier this month - on Thursday, December 1.
The offences brought against Virgin Media Limited were:
Weacombe Road, Bridgwater - March 10, 2022 - £12,000 fine
In contravention of 'S65 of NRSWA 1991 by failing to install traffic management to ensure the safety of pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities and the travelling public affected by the works.'
Halsway, Bridgwater - March 11, 2022 - £12,000 fine
In contravention of 'S65 of NRSWA 1991, by failing to install traffic management to ensure the safety of pedestrians affected by the works, particularly those with disabilities, and the travelling public affected by the works.'
Gordon Terrace, Bridgwater - August 24, 2022 - £20,000 fine
In contravention of 'S65 of NRSWA 1991 by failing to secure that the part of the street which was broken up or opened or was obstructed by plant or materials used or deposited in connection with the works, was adequately guarded and lit having regard to the needs of people with a disability.'
Gordon Terrace, Bridgwater - August 24, 2022 - no separate to the above offence
Virgin Media Ltd failed to take the necessary steps to attend to the site failures at Gordon Terrace as directed by the street authority on 24th August 2022 and in so doing failed under S60 of the 1991 Act to use its best endeavours to cooperate with the street authority, particularly in the interests of safety.
Redgate Street, Bridgwater - August 25 2022 - £12,000 fine
In contravention of 'S65 of NRSWA 1991 by failing to install traffic management to ensure the safety of pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities and the travelling public affected by the works.'
Total fines: £56,000 with costs of £6,711.41 and a surcharge of £190 - totalling £62,901.45.
In passing the sentence, the court accepted in mitigation that Virgin Media Ltd had thorough guidance for its sub-contractors to follow when conducting street works - and heard heard it had taken steps to increase its training of operatives and supervision of works.
Taunton Magistrates Court also heard that the offences were isolated in the amount of work carried out across the country, and that there had been no other offences of this kind in the last four years.
Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset County Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital said: “These fines demonstrate that if you want to work on our highways, following safety and accessibility procedures and process is crucial in doing so. When ignored, these incidents can cause significant disruption on our roads.
“Some months ago, I asked our team to come down hard on operators who dig up our roads but do not then behave properly while they have the highway under traffic management. This substantial series of fines will send a clear message to statutory undertakers they cannot mess around on our highway network.”
It was told Virgin Media has taken steps to address the failings and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
If you spot a problem on the road, you can report it on the Somerset County Council website.