A local authority is preparing to wage war on utility companies who fail to properly repair roads – in a bid to free the highways of potholes and other hazards for motorists.

Devon County Council is spearheading a campaign which could see utility companies and other firms, who add to problems with potholes in the region, face hefty fines.

The council is calling on MPs and magistrates to lobby Government over low levels of fines for street-work offences in the hope a new law will be introduced to ensure offending companies face tougher penalties. Neil Parish, Conservative MP for Tiverton and Honiton who is supporting the council, said: “People are having a great deal of problems with potholes recently and I think the council are right to highlight who is behind the problem.

“Why should the council taxpayer pick up the bill for potholes utility companies have created? I will do everything I can to bring the issue to the attention of ministers in the New Year.”

A recent study by the council found that between October and December 2010, only 29 per cent of Western Power Distribution’s work was up to the required standard, Wales and West Utilities achieved 47 per cent, South West Water 52 per cent and BT 67 per cent.

Cornwall Council said it had problems with some companies and that the authority would be introducing a programme in the New Year to establish the extent of the situation.

Jeremy Edwards, highway network manager for Cornwall Council, said: “We echo what Devon are saying. The fines need to be fair, realistic, and reflect the price it costs local councils to repair the damage caused by some companies.”

Although figures for this year showed an improvement in repair standards, it is estimated that poor workmanship is costing Devon County Council about £1.7 million a year.

In 2011, the council successfully prosecuted eight cases, with fines ranging from £200 to £2,000. Maximum fines can be up to £5,000. Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “We need to continue to prosecute utility companies where they fall short of national specifications. We have seen some improvement but there is still some way to go.”

On Wednesday, councillors agreed to urge the Magistrates’ Association to hand out more significant fines to companies who are successfully prosecuted by the council for shoddy repair works.

John Fassenfelt, chairman of the Association, said: “As magistrates are ordinary members of their local communities they will be fully aware of inadequate repairs to roads and paths following road works by utility companies and the danger that they may present to road users and pedestrians.”

Both Wales and West Utilities and Western Power Distribution insisted they always carried out repair works to the highest standard.

A spokeswoman for Western Power Distribution said: “We always strive to maintain the quality of roads when undertaking our work. Any defects identified are rectified.”

Latest figures show all of the aforementioned utility companies improved repair standards since 2010, South West Water’s standards fell to 45 per cent.

A spokeswoman for South West Water said: “We are committed to reinstating our excavations to the highest standards and have made significant improvements in a number of areas over recent years.”

Last year utility companies carried out more than 20,500 schemes on the county’s roads.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: “Although we would like to see tougher action, we would much rather utility companies just get the reinstatement done right first time, which would maximise the life expectancy of our roads, rather than having to prosecute for unsatisfactory work.”