Slow workers face fines

Utility companies that take too long to carry out repairs on the borough's roads are being hit with hefty fines from the council.
Gas, water and electricity firms had to fork out more than £300,000 last year for overrunning their allocated time slots. And they will continue to face financial penalties for disrupting people who live and work in Brent.
Councillor Daniel Brown, lead member for highways and transportation, said: "We realise the inconvenience that is caused when a road has to be dug up for utility work and we don't want people to suffer for longer than they have to.
"Although we recognise that the work these companies do is also important, the fines give them a real incentive to keep to the agreed schedule so that traffic jams, noise and other problems to the local transport scene are kept to a minimum."
The companies will be able to get an extension when unforeseen circumstances mean that work takes longer than planned, but will they need to fully justify this to the council before it is agreed.