A UTILITY firm has been hit with more than £110,000 in fines for over-running on roadworks in Enfield.

Enfield Council issued the fines to Thames Water last week, and revealed work last year in just four roads had gone on 136 working days longer than promised.

The council says residents in Montagu Road, Pegamoid Road, Albany Road and Kenninghall Road suffered “massive disruption” as a result of the failings.

Councillor Chris Bond, who is in charge of environment, said: “We have struck a blow for frustrated motorists in our bid to reduce congestion and keep Enfield moving.

“Enfield suffered hugely from gridlock last year mainly caused by road works.

“While there is a need more many of these works, unless there is a valid reason we will clamp down hard on any company needlessly overrunning on the job.”

Thames Water apologised for the overruns, but said a contracted firm responsible for the work would be paying most of the fines.

It said: “We are really sorry for these over-runs. These works were not managed to our satisfaction.

“As a result, our contractor has agreed to incur the majority of the fines.

“Ideally we wouldn’t have to dig up the streets at all but our 150-year-old, leaky cast iron water pipes desperately need replacing.

“Our mains replacement work will deliver long-term benefits, greatly reducing leakage and the amount of disruption caused by emergency work in future years."”