From Pam Newby, Exeter 383654, September 19,2007

Three utility companies have been prosecuted recently by Devon County Council for offences in relation to streetworks.

Cable Wireless was fined £1500 plus £350 costs for a signing and guarding offence in Moor Lane, Exeter, in April.

Wales West Utilities was fined a total of £1600 for a signing and guarding offence and also failing to reinstate the highway at Cotmanton Road, Sidmouth between April and May.

South West Water was fined £1000 plus £454.98 costs for failing to reinstate the highway at Jordans Street, Buckfastleigh between April and June. The company was also fined £400 plus £418.55 costs for a signing and guarding offence in Bonhay Road, Exeter in May.

Under the statutory duties imposed by the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and associated legislation, utility companies are legally required to ensure any part of the public highway they excavate is repaired and re-instated, and works executed on the public highway are signed, lighted and guarded safely for the duration of the work.

The companies are self-regulating and have a duty to meet the standards laid down in the regulations. Because it has become apparent that many companies fail to do so, Devon County Council has a Street Works Enforcement Officer with responsibility for bringing prosecutions against utility companies which fail to meet the required standards.

Notes for Editors:

Vicky Hayes, Devon County Council's Senior Highway Activity Co-ordinator, can be contacted on 01392 383052 or contact the Media PR Service on 01392 383290 or 383654.