The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Oliver Freeston, has written to major utility companies calling for greater care and consideration over roadworks and traffic management arrangements.
Letters have been sent to Anglian Water, Northern Powergrid, Cadent, Openreach and Virgin Media following ongoing concerns about temporary traffic lights remaining in place while little or no work appears to be taking place, as well as breaches of permit conditions.
While utility companies are responsible for their own traffic management arrangements, the Council has limited enforcement powers. A fixed penalty notice of £240 can be issued in certain circumstances.
Cllr Freeston said: “Residents are fed up with unnecessary disruption on our roads. We all understand that essential utility works have to take place, but traffic management should be properly managed and removed as soon as it is no longer needed.
“At present, the penalties available to councils are simply not a sufficient deterrent for large utility companies.
“I’ve written directly to the major firms involved, asking them to show greater care and consideration. I’ll also be making representations to our local MPs for tougher penalties, giving councils the powers they need to properly enforce permits and minimise disruption.
“Our roads are already under significant pressure. Where disruption can be avoided or reduced, it should be.”
ENDS
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