Fine for repairs that were 126 days late

Gas repairs that over-ran by more than four months were today highlighted as among the worst examples of bungled roadworks in London.

National Grid workmen took 126 days longer than expected to complete the works in Barnet that were started in February — leading to the gas and electricity firm being fined £42,000 by Transport for London.

The case emerged as the Standard obtained details of some of the worst examples of delays caused by the 109 utility firms that are allowed to dig up roads.

It came as Thames Water carries out 1,000 repairs a month to burst pipes on the capital's Red Route network.

Between April and November, TfL has fined numerous firms £317,900 for breaches on its carriageways — including £137,000 in penalties for National Grid. Work over-ran by 442 days and 237 fines were issued for permits breached.

A National Grid spokeswoman said today: "National Grid is focused on eliminating all overruns and will continue to work alongside TfL to minimise any disruption caused as a result of our works."