Compensate businesses hit by costly roadworks- Norfolk MP
Latest data shows that over 300 roadworks in Norfolk overran last year- resulting in £345 thousand in fines, between 2024 and last year
A local MP is calling on utility companies to pay compensation to businesses affected by non-urgent road-works.
Figures from County Hall show that £700 thousand in fines were dished out to utility companies and developers for non-compliant repairs last year
306 roadworks in Norfolk overran last year- resulting in £345 thousand in fines, between 2024 and last year.
While £340,000 was generated from 2,809 fixed penalty notices issued to companies who didn't have a permit or failed to comply with permit conditions, during this time.
"It will also make our utility companies work like billy-o"
Ben Goldsborough represents South Norfolk in Parliament:
"They the authorities have the power to say 'no, not now'.
"Now don't get me wrong the utility companies can say they need access to the road- because of a burst main of some kind- and that's totally right that they do that work, of course.
"However, if it's a planned upgrade the local transport authority can and should say 'no, not right now' if that part of the county has been inundated with lengthy works already.
"Now if we make compensation for this the law, then these utility firms will have to factor all of this into the price of business.
"The biggest advantage of this is not just the case of supporting our business, but it will also make our utility companies work like billy-o, as every day they've got that road shut they're paying compensation for that".
What has County Hall said on this?
Norfolk County Council says it welcomes recent national recommendations which aim to make roadworks quicker, better planned, and less disruptive for residents.
These suggestions come from a recent Parliamentary review into how streetworks are managed across the UK.
The recommendations are:
✅ Repairs should last at least 5 years
✅ Fines for poor planning or delays
✅ More control for councils over roadwork approvals
✅ Developers must share work plans and timelines
✅ Advance planning info to be mandatory