Scots authorities face £50,000 fines for failing to improve road repairs

ROADWORKS firms and councils have been warned by Scotland's roadworks commissioner they could be fined for the first time if their performance does not improve.

John Gooday said utility firms and local authorities who "systematically" failed to meet standards could be penalised financially.

The commissioner can impose fines of up to 50,000 but the power has not been used since Mr Gooday took up his newly-created post three years ago.

Publishing his annual report yesterday, the commissioner said: "Overall, the trends during the year have generally shown improved performance, even if the rate of change might have been slower than wished.

"However, a number of individual organisations continue to show poor performance."

These include most of Scotland's councils and eight utility firms - BT Openreach, Cable and Wireless, ScottishPower, Scottish and Southern Energy, Scottish Gas Networks, Scottish Water, Network Rail and Virgin Media. All three of the firms which maintain Scotland's motorways and trunk roads were also requested to produce improvement plans - BEAR Scotland, Amey and Scotland TranServ.

The only councils escaping the order were Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.

Mr Gooday said: "Poorly performing organisations were directed to develop action plans for improvement and are now implementing them."

The improvements are required over issues such as roadworks starting early and over-running and not being properly notified.

He added: "I will undertake the review exercise again in November and December. Where organisations have not improved and where it could be considered they are systematically not meeting their duties, I will consider the use of my powers and if appropriate I will impose appropriate financial penalties."

Mr Gooday can impose fines on roads authorities such as councils who "systematically fail in their duty to co-ordinate", and on utility companies who "systematically fail to co-operate" when undertaking road works.

The Royal Automobile Club said motorists wanted standards to be improved.

Spokesman John Franklin said: "Clearly, something needs to be done.

"Utility companies and councils have a habit of digging up roads when drivers do not know how long the delays will continue. This is having a huge impact."

ALASTAIR DALTON