UTILITY companies could face prosecution because of roadwork delays.

Bromley Council has issued the warning because it is sick of contractors bringing the borough to a standstill with overrunning works.

The warning coincides with analysis which shows utility companies are responsible for the majority of roadworks in the borough, with Thames Water responsible for 70 per cent.

Firms are being warned they could be prosecuted for sub-standard road repairs.

Portfolio holder for environment and leisure Councillor Colin Smith said he was "sick to death" of seeing poorly managed, under-resourced operations taking place across the borough.

Cllr Smith said: "Tudor Way, Petts Wood, is a classic example. Thames Water appears to be abusing its statutory utility powers and to have no control over its contractors, all at great cost and inconvenience to residents and businesses."

Last month News Shopper reported how Petts Wood businesses were more than £250,000 out of pocket because of the Tudor Way works.

With the works not expected to finish by mid-November, shopkeepers fear they will be put out of business.

A Petts Wood Business Association spokesman says firms are considering filing a lawsuit against Thames Water.

There is a meeting on Friday between Thames Water, Bromley Council and businesses to discuss issues.

A spokesman for Thames Water said: "We have committed extra staff to the project and are aiming to reopen parts of Tudor Way by the end of the month.

"We planned our work with the council and carried out sections of the work over the school holidays to reduce disruption.

"And we want a meeting with management at the council to discuss their concerns and continue to keep the council, residents and businesses informed.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and will complete this work as quickly as possible."

ACT GIVES STREET TEAMS THE POWER TO PROSECUTE

Since 2000 Bromley Council's street services team has successfully prosecuted utility companies under the New Roads and Street Works Act 13 times.

The Act allows councils to prosecute companies which have not carried out road repairs to the correct standard.

BT has been found guilty of 256 offences and had to pay £164,350 since 2000.

Electricity company EDF was made to pay £18,200 in November last year after being found guilty of 24 offences.

National Grid Transco has been found guilty of 57 offences and made to pay £36,905.

Electricity company Seeboard was found guilty of 42 offences and made to pay £47,600 in 2004.

NTL had to pay £52,850 for 46 offences in January 2001.

The £319,905 raised goes to The Treasury.