Transport for London (TfL) has prosecuted National Grid Gas as a result of roadwork offences committed within the capital last year. The Work, which was carried out between the 26th and the 29th July 2014 took place on Grosvenor Road, a major part of the capital's road network, and also a key part of the Barclays Cycle Superhighway 8. Whilst the work was being carried out, TfL's Road Works Enforcement Inspectors noted that the contractors had failed to set up their worksite in accordance with the Safety Code of Practice.æ As a result, pedestrians _ some of them in wheelchairs _ were being forced to move onto the carriageway itself.æ Both the Metropolitan Police and TfL considered the work unsafe, and the company failed to amend the situation for several hours. National Grid Gas was fined £3,000 for three offences, a victim surcharge of £120 and was also ordered to pay TfL's prosecution costs of £3,946.æ The majority of the fines will be re-invested directly into the improvement of the transport network. The judge at Westminster Magistrates Court said: "These are quite serious offences involving safety breaches with significant risk to the public.îLeon Daniels, TfL's Managing Director of Surface Transport also commented:
"Because of their actions, drivers, local residents and I were left fuming at the sheer incompetence of National Grid Gas during this work. Ensuring that any road works are carried out in a safe manner is vital, especially in a major city such as London. We will continue to prosecute those who try their luck carrying out unsafe working practices on our roads and work to ensure that all Londoners can travel through the capital safely and without delay or hindrance.î The Lane Rental Scheme in London was launched by Mayor Boris Johnson in June 2012, and has since cut peak-time utility roadwork at traffic hotspots by more than 50 per cent. This is not the first time TfL has prosecuted National Grid Gas for similar offence.æ TfL has issued the company with more than 250 fixed penalty notices since 2012.
