Wolverhampton Council cracks down on roadwork delays by utility companies who do not complete jobs on time

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, cabinet member for transport, said the council would be taking a tough line on providers of services such as gas, water and electricity, which were responsible for two-thirds of roadworks in the city.

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However, Councillor Simon Bennett, leader of the opposition Conservative group, said the announcement followed a letter he wrote to council leader Councillor Stephen Simkins last week.

Councillor Azeem said the council closely monitored the work done by utility providers, and when they failed to comply with strict rules, fines were issued. The money generated from the fines was put back into fixing roads and tackling potholes, he added.

He said the public could also find up-to-date details about the works using the Causeway One.Network, making it easier to plan journeys affected by roadworks.

“Residents can see what’s happening on their streets in real time, and our teams can plan more efficiently to ensure our highways network runs smoothly and efficiently," he said.

"Of course, what is beyond our control, are emergency works that need to be carried out by utilities companies. 

"However, even in these instances, utilities companies must still apply for permits to carry out such work - and when they don’t follow the rules, we hold them to account.”

Councillor Bennett produced a letter he sent to Councillor Simkins on Friday last week, in which he wrote: "One of the most frequent complaints we hear from the public is that, shortly after resurfacing or repair work is completed, utility companies are permitted to come in, dig up the carriageway, and leave behind further disruption and inconvenience with very little oversight or accountability."

He urged the council to make greater use of the powers available.

He also asked Councillor Simkins to write to the major utility companies operating in Wolverhampton, setting out a clear expectation that they must comply with stricter rules when accessing the road network. 

"Where they fail to do so, the council should make full use of the enforcement and fining powers available," he said..

You can find out about the latest roadworks in your area by visiting publicnoticeportal.uk.