COUNCIL NOW URGING FIRMS TO 'COMPLY OR FACE FINES'

LEADERS at Staffordshire County Council have published a letter calling on utility companies to back the authority's new approach to roadworks.

- By JOSEPH RICHARDS

The council said current legislation works in favour of utility companies, and that powers need to be rebalanced in favour of councils and road users.

In the letter, the authority sets out how it will impose stricter rules on utility companies who need access to the road network, and use fines to encourage compliance.

They add they want to work with utility companies to ensure their work is completed as quickly as possible, and to a sufficient standard.