VODAFONE has been hit with a massive fine after pleading guilty to two road works offences in Somerset last year.

Two fines totalling £25,000 were slapped on the phone company by magistrates sitting in Weston-super-Mare.

Vodafone breached two laws during work on the A3259 at Yallands Hill, Monkton Heathfield, on December 14.

It admitted failing to ensure the street works were safely lighted and guarded, with photographic evidence showing its subcontractors were at "real risk of injury or death". That offence attracted a £15,000 fine.

It was hit with a £10,000 fine for carrying out street works without a valid permit, resulting in the street authority being unable to co-ordinate the works to minimise disruption.

Vodafone was also ordered to pay £1,371.45 in costs and a victim surcharge of £190.