BT has been fined £9,000 for inadequate and illegal roadworks in the Lake District.
The telecoms firm was prosecuted by Westmorland and Furness Council for its work at Seathwaite in the Borrowdale Valley in January.
At Barrow Magistrates Court, the firm admitted failing to reinstate a road adequately and undertaking work without a permit.
The company carried out significant roadworks, installing more than three miles of underground duct and 20 carriageway chambers, without following correct procedures for closing the road or with appropriate permits in place.
The council had refused to issue a permit because several would have been needed to cover the whole project and road closures required. It said without road closures, the work would be considered dangerous.
The work also left the road in an inadequate state and not at the required standard, the council said.
As well as being fined, the company was ordered to pay the council’s costs of £5,000 and a victim surcharge of £2,000.
Cllr Peter Thornton, cabinet member for highways, IT and ferry, said: “We don’t like having to prosecute utility companies as we recognise the important work they do.
“However, we do insist that this work is done to a proper standard, to strict health and safety regulations and that permits are properly applied for.”
