BT £17,000 court bill for breaches during works at Ruishton

BT pleaded guilty at Taunton Magistrates' Court to failing to place, maintain and operate traffic signs during work on Ilminster Road, near Ruishton, on March 9 this year.

The signs were required for "the guidance or direction" of people using the street, particularly those with a disability.

BT, whose address was given as Brahms Street, London, was fined £12,000 for the offence.

The company was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge f £2,000 along with prosecution costs of £3,158.04.

It also admitted a further offence of executing street works on the highway without a valid permit at the same location on the same day, for which there was no separate penalty.

A charge of displaying a permit board showing an expired and invalid permit that related to a separate set of works was withdrawn at the request of the prosecution.