Virgin Media fined for dangerous manhole works
# 13 February 2014, 15:40 by Chris T
Magistrates have rapped Virgin Media after contractors lifted manhole covers without erecting barriers or warning signs in a busy high street.
The incident occurred in Petersham Road, Richmond and resulted in cars swerving to avoid crashing into the open manholes after spotting them at the last minute.
Council officers arrived on the scene and forced the work, being carried out on behalf of Virgin Media by a contractor, to stop. But the contractors returned the next day, again failing to erect signs or barriers and forcing the council to intervene a second time.
Lavender Hill Magistrates in the town penalised Virgin Media with fines and prosecution costs totalling £14,300.
In a statement, Virgin Media said: “Our contractors did not comply with the high standards we set for everyone who works on behalf of Virgin Media and we regret, and apologise for, the concern caused to local residents.”