Transport for London (TfL) has successfully prosecuted UK Power Networks in connection with a range of roadwork offences.

TfL said it was part of it's focus on tackling poorly planned and managed roadworks, to improve the safety and reliability of London's roads and to reduce avoidable road traffic congestion.

The roadworks, which took place between December, 2014 and February, 2015, were carried out in Cheam, Lower Clapton and Masons Hill in Bromley.

During the work TfL Roadwork Enforcement inspectors identified a range of issues, from the wrong signage to disorganised traffic management. At one of the locations, Masons Hill, school children were forced into the carriageway during heavy traffic due to inadequate provision of alternative routes for pedestrians – potentially putting lives at risk, said TfL.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court fined UK Power Network a total of £13,000 and ordered them to pay TfL’s full prosecution costs of £4,637, bringing the total financial penalty to more than £17,000.

Garrett Emmerson, chief operating officer for surface transport at TfL, said: "The scale of the unsafe, unchecked and frankly appalling works carried out by UK Power Network in just three months is shocking.

“Ensuring that any roadworks are carried out in a safe manner is vital, especially in a major city such as London.

“I’m glad that the management of UK Power Networks have already taken positive action to ensure there is no repeat of this type of behaviour,” said Emmerson “However, regardless of promises by senior management, we will continue to monitor and firmly prosecute anyone who tries their luck carrying out unsafe working practices on our roads.”