British Telecom (BT) has been ordered to pay more than £8,000 for “dangerous and disruptive” roadworks, which took place on the Transport for London (TfL) network.The BT offences between January and March 2016 were for:
- Unsafe execution of street works on Brixton Road
- Failure to serve necessary statutory works notices following the completion of work on Clapham Road
- Failure to pay the Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) originally issued by TfL in response to the Clapham Road offence.
BT appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 22 June, and pleaded guilty to both offences. They were fined a total of £4,500 and ordered to pay £3,916 in prosecution costs.In passing sentence, the Judge said: “There were clear safety failings in the works executed in Brixton Road and I am not impressed. I can see from the photographs taken that pedestrians were forced into the carriageway and work men just stood by and watched. I understand steps are now being taken to put things right but I have to say I don’t think looking at these photographs, that even the most basic steps were taken to put proper measures in place to protect the public. I hope lessons are being learnt.”BT has been fined £32,020 in 37 prosecution cases since 2010.Garrett Emmerson, TfL’s chief operating officer for surface transport, said: “BT has become London’s worst roadworks offender, repeatedly disrupting Londoners with poorly planned, badly managed and sometimes dangerous roadworks. We are committed to keeping London’s roads as clear as possible preventing unnecessary traffic build up, which disrupts people’s daily commute and worsens air quality. We will continue to push for the toughest penalties possible for utility companies caught acting unlawfully and are pleased that BT themselves have recognised the need to improve.”
