main content BT guilty of defective road repairs

British Telecommunications plc has been found guilty of 80 offences relating to substandard road repairs. The communications utility company was fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £37,750. This is the fifth prosecution of BT for offences under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 in as many years. The prosecution at Bromley Magistrates Court underlines the Council’s commitment to ensure that roads and pavements are safe to use and repaired properly.

“BT needs to get its act together. We are not prepared to put up with sub-standard repairs which Council tax payers end up footing the bill to rectify. We want good quality reinstatements that do not pose a danger to the public. We have not seen the necessary improvements in the quality of BT’s work despite previous prosecutions. We will be watching carefully their future work to make sure it measures up” said Councillor George Taylor, Executive Councillor for the Environment.

The charges relate to poor workmanship and incorrect materials used to repair holes made by BT. The company also failed to complete work on time and did not correctly notify the Council of their intentions to carry out work on the highway.

Residents can report their concerns about utility ‘road works’ to David Lambert, the Council’s Streets Works Manager on 020 8313 4933.

ENDS

Editor’s Notes:

• The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 sets out the procedures and guidelines that all utility companies need to adhere to when placing or maintaining their equipment on the highway. The Act and associated Codes of Practice cover the notification requirements, the safety to highway users and the standards required of the reinstatement of all excavations on the highway.
• To date, the Council has taken the following action against BT: 
  •  November 2004 - British Telecommunications plc (BT) was fined a total of £41,400 for 49 offences.
  • November 2003 - British Telecommunications plc (BT) pleaded guilty to 11 offences and was fined a total of £5,600 with costs being awarded to the Council of £8,450.
  • September 2002 - British Telecommunications plc (BT) pleaded guilty to 24 offences and was fined a total of £16,500.
  • January 2001 - British Telecommunications plc (BT) pleaded guilty to 6 offences and was fined £4,500 and £2,500 costs.

For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer on 020 8313 4989 or David Lambert, Street Works Manager on 020 8313 4933 or e-mail amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk.