Kent County Council to Prosecute Utility Companies that Breach Roadworks Rules

Kent County Council (KCC) has announced a tougher stance on roadworks compliance, warning that utility companies and contractors who flout legal requirements could face prosecution.

The move is aimed at improving highway safety, keeping traffic moving, and encouraging faster completion of works.

The council, which has reported a sharp rise in temporary road closures in recent years, said that enforcement action would only be taken once all other reasonable steps have been explored.

Conservative councillor Sarah Hudson described the policy as “long overdue,” highlighting concerns that some contractors “take forever and a day” to complete essential work.

Enforcement Policy

The new approach, outlined in the Street Works Enforcement Policy presented to councillors on 13 January, allows KCC to take action against landowners and utility firms that fail to comply with legal obligations or ignore official orders.

The policy includes two formal enforcement prosecution pathways for highways, enabling the council to hold offenders accountable for breaking the law or disrupting road management. Evidence will be collected against companies suspected of repeated breaches, and prosecutions will only proceed where justified.

Costs and Implementation

KCC confirmed that enforcement will be carried out within existing staffing and budget resources, with each prosecution expected to cost approximately £2,500.

The council’s initiative reflects growing concerns about the impact of delayed or poorly managed roadworks, which can create congestion, increase accident risk, and disrupt local communities.

Councillor Hudson added:

“This is about making our roads safer and ensuring that everyone who undertakes work on Kent’s highways does so responsibly and efficiently. It sends a clear message that repeated breaches will not be tolerated.”

The policy positions KCC alongside other UK councils increasingly willing to use legal powers to enforce complianceand ensure that roadworks do not unnecessarily disrupt traffic or compromise public safety.