Truespeed Communications Ltd has been handed a double fine after being found guilty of two offences earlier this year.

Somerset County Council is responsible for managing the road network and prosecuted Truespeed Communications Ltd as part of its commitment to minimising disruption and keeping the public safe.

The case, heard at North Somerset Magistrates on Thursday 9 December was:

Hoares Lane, Kilmersdon

Truespeed Communications Ltd was found guilty of two offences, which includes:

On 11 May 2021 carried out street works at Hoares Lane, Kilmersdon, without a valid or deemed permit, contrary to Regulation 19 of The Traffic Management Permit Scheme (England) Regulations 2007.

On 11 May 2021 at Hoares Lane, Kilmersdon as a statutory undertaker, they failed to ensure that their street works were safely signed, lighted and guarded, contrary to section 65(4) of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

In sentencing the judge noted the company's previous good character, and that they had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, the offences were committed due to a lack of proper planning of the works. The company were fined £4,000 on the first charge and £4,000 on the second charge.

Costs of £5,000 and a victim surcharge of £195 were also awarded against the company.

Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: "To work on our highways, you must co-operate with the Highways authority and avoid unnecessary disruption on our roads.

"We want to make it clear that we take complaints seriously and deal with them in a speedy manner."