Roadworks tsar fails to use powers

John Gooday is paid up to £70,000 a year to improved the standard of roadworks across the country.

But despite having the power to fine councils and utility companies up to £50,000, he has not issued a single penalty.

A new report shows 26 per cent of work carried out by utility firms on streets in Scotland last year failed to meet the required standards.

Mr Gooday said he was “disappointed a number of organisations still fall short of the step change being sought” and was seeking legal advice on “potential actions” he could take.

Neil Greig, of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said when Mr Gooday was appointed that people thought he would be a consumer champion, but all he did was monitor paperwork.