Utility firms face fines for ‘plague of potholes’

New rules will make it easier to fine utility firms that leave potholes and road damage after carrying out work.

The Department for Transport has said that a new performance-based inspection system will mean companies will face financial penalties if they fail to restore road surfaces properly after carrying out street works.

Pothole damage costs UK drivers an estimated £1.3 billion in repair bills every year and councils have paid out £13 million to motorists in compensation in the last four years.

The DfT says the new inspection regime will cut these costs by forcing gas, water, electricity and broadband firms to meet strict standards for road repairs or face financial penalties.

On average utility companies fail 9% of the inspections that are currently carried out, and the worst performing utility company is failing 63% of its inspections, the department said.

The new regime will build on existing inspection rules and will mean that companies which fail initial inspections will go on to be inspected more often by local authorities to ensure their work meets rigorous criteria and they leave roads in a good condition. Failure to do so will result in fines.