BT Fined £9,500 for Unsafe Street Work in Cumbria
BT has been fined a total of £9,500 for unsafe street works in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria. The incident occurred on October 9th last year when cables were found left trailing along South Road.
The case was heard at Carlisle Magistrates Court. A compliance officer inspected the site and deemed it unsafe due to inadequate safety measures. This included a lack of proper signing, lighting, guarding, and traffic management.
Details of the Offence
BT pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them. The court imposed a fine of £5,000, along with costs of £2,500 and a £2,000 victim surcharge. The company was found in breach of Section 65 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, which mandates safe working practices.
Response from Local Authorities
Peter Thornton, a cabinet member for highways and ICT, commented on the situation. He highlighted the challenges of managing numerous requests from utility companies to conduct work on public roads. He stressed the importance of ensuring that such work is carried out safely and legally.
Immediate Actions Taken
Following the inspection, the operatives on site were instructed to leave immediately. This swift action was necessary to protect public safety.
Importance of Safety Measures
The case underscores the critical need for utility companies to adhere to safety regulations. Proper safety measures are essential to prevent accidents and protect the public during street works.
