Utility Firms Face Fines Over Pothole Chaos
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a crackdown on utility companies after years of dodgy roadworks and sorely missed potholes.
From now on, firms botching repairs or leaving behind dangerous craters will find it far easier to get hit with stiff financial penalties.
New Rules to Nab Roadwork Rookies
The DfT is rolling out a strict performance-based inspection system. Utility companies failing to meet tough standards face fines and extra monitoring by local councils.
Currently, utility firms fail about 9% of inspections, but the worst offender flunks a shocking 63%!
The goal? Stop the thousands of potholes blighting our roads and force companies to resurface streets properly.
Save Drivers’ Wallets from Pothole Repairs
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps slammed the “plague of potholes” ruining UK roads. He vowed to hold companies accountable, shielding drivers from costly fixes to tyres and suspensions caused by bumpy surfaces.
“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,” said Shapps.
“We’ve already invested billions into road maintenance and will keep working so all road users enjoy safe, world-class infrastructure.”
Opposition Slams Government for Past Failures
Labour’s shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh hit back, accusing the Tories of hypocrisy.
“The shameless Transport Secretary is trying to claim credit for fixing the problem he has helped create,” Haigh said.
“Last year alone, the Tories slashed funding to fix 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.”
Faster Broadband Amid Fixes
The new plans also include easing restrictions on broadband rollout, meaning quicker connections for new customers alongside better roads.
