Westminster Council today has named and shamed companies that consistently overrun on utility repairs.
EDF has been named as one of the biggest offenders, with £50,000 worth of fines having been imposed by Westminster Council for prolonged works between April 2007 and March 2008.
Of all the jobs inspected by the council, whether sampled or targeted based on intelligence, 53% EDF’s work was found to have a fault. In addition, of the faults found on inspection between January and July this year, no work was done on 61% of faults when they were reinspected.
Cllr Danny Chalkley, cabinet member for environment and transport at Westminster City Council, said: "Our figures clearly show that there are some utility operators who have scant regard for the public by carrying out shoddy work, taking too long and leaving their sites a mess.
"We all understand and accept these works are essential, but that does not negate their responsibility to carry their duties out with professionalism and due regard for the local residents, businesses, and drivers. This is totally unacceptable. We are carrying out more inspections than ever before and hitting those utilities who are failing where it hurts, in their wallets.
"Sadly it's the only language some of them appear to understand and I would like to see local authorities given greater powers to set fines which could stop once and for all some utilities taking us for a ride. "For millions of people their lasting impression of London is formed in Westminster, and the sight of red and white barriers, piles of sand and holes in pavements created by the utilities is hugely damaging to our reputation, and is a blot on our beautiful city."
£13,250 worth of potential charges could still yet be imposed on EDF after impending discussions. However there are currently 4 sites overrunning that are racking up charges over and above this £13,250.
30% of Westminster Council inspections can be selected randomly according to government regulations. Between January and July this year EDF failed 12% of these random inspections.
Westminster Council can charge up to £2000 per day depending on the type of work and classification of the street.
Other companies with prolonged utility works are British Telecom, Thames Water, National Grid Gas and City of London Telecoms. Westminster fines for all the companies come to £97,750.
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