Two utility companies have been slapped with £10,000 fines for carrying out shoddy road repairs that put drivers’ safety at risk.

Highway inspectors from Enfield Council found the firms had failed to use the correct specification stone chippings in the asphalt material used to repair roads after carrying out maintenance work.

Using the correct chippings is essential for safety, as they create a skid-resistant surface.

At Highbury Magistrates’ Court on July 19, electricity firm UK Power Networks pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the statutory minimum standards required under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

It was ordered to pay a fine of £10,000, costs to Enfield Council of £413.49 and a victim surcharge of £120 for the sub-standard repair works carried out on Carterhatch Lane on April 14.

Water company Affinity Water pleaded guilty to the same offence and was fined for work on Cockfosters Road carried out on March 31.

The firm was ordered to pay costs of £524.95 and a victim surcharge of £120.

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment, Cllr Guney Dogan, said: “This is a very serious matter. Companies of this size should have adequate arrangements in place to prevent this from ever happening.

“We want to work in partnership with utility companies and other statutory undertakers as they provide essential services to the residents of Enfield.

“However, we expect that they carry out suitable reinstatements to our highways and will take necessary action where this is not done.

“Enfield Council has a robust inspection regime to assess work on the borough’s roads. We are one of the leading local authorities in the country for ensuring that utility firms reinstate our highways correctly.

“It is imperative that road surfaces are left in a safe condition for road users. Poorly reinstated utility trenches result in extra disruption to residents and commuters and is quite frankly irresponsible.”