Utility firms under scrutiny for roadwork schemes

Councillor Qaiser Azeem said motorists can use the live map to help them plan their journey

Wolverhampton Council says it is "doubling down" on efforts to ensure roadworks carried out by utility companies are completed quickly and correctly.

To co-ordinate work on the city's highways network, the council said it uses Causeway one.network, which maps out projects in real time and enables the public to see and plan their journeys accordingly.

Schemes are monitored by the authority and if utility companies like water, gas and electricity fail to comply with rules around roadworks, then fines are issued.

The companies are responsible for more than two-thirds of roadworks in Wolverhampton, the council said.

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, cabinet member for city transport, said: "By using the one.network live map, we are providing a smarter way to raise awareness of roadworks, making them easier to plan for and less disruptive.

"Residents can see what's happening on their streets in real time, and our teams can plan more efficiently to ensure our highways network runs smoothly and efficiently.

"Of course, what is beyond our control, are emergency works that need to be carried out by utilities companies.

"However, even in these instances, utilities companies must still apply for permits to carry out such work - and when they don't follow the rules, we hold them to account."