Utility Firms Face Hefty Fines Over Pothole Havoc
The Department for Transport (DfT) is cracking down on shoddy road repairs by utility companies. New laws will make it easier to slap financial penalties on firms that leave behind potholes and botched resurfacing.
Thousands of Potholes Set to Disappear
The fresh crackdown aims to stop thousands of potholes blighting Britain’s roads. The DfT hopes higher standards and tougher inspections will ensure roads get fixed properly the first time. That means fewer bumpy rides and less risk of costly damage to your tyres and suspension.
New Inspections and Penalties Unveiled
- A strict performance-based inspections regime will weed out the worst offenders.
- Failing companies face stiff financial penalties.
- Poor performers will be checked more often by local councils.
Currently, utility firms fail around 9% of their roadwork inspections. The worst culprit flunks a massive 63%. Still, most companies do a good job and meet rigorous standards, says the DfT.
Bonus: Faster Broadband Rollout
The DfT says the new rules will also speed up broadband installation, thanks to relaxed restrictions on works for new customer connections.
Grant Shapps Swings the Hammer on Potholes
“The plague of potholes is the menace of our roads,” said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
“That’s why I’m ensuring companies who create them and leave roads in a poor state can be held to account more easily – protecting drivers from unfair repair costs.”
“We’ve already invested billions into road maintenance and I’ll keep working to give all road users the safe, world-class infrastructure they deserve.”
Labour Fires Back at Government Claims
Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh slammed the minister: “The shameless Transport Secretary is trying to claim credit for fixing the problem he has helped create.
“Last year alone the Tories slashed funding to fix our crumbling roads by enough to fill 12 million potholes.
“He should stop taking people for fools and fix the mess his government has made of our roads.”
