And with water, gas and telecom utilities continually leaned-on by regulators to improve aging infra-structure, he doesn't expect the figure to diminish any time soon.

A highways expert for the past 20 years, Tony says it's "frustrating" that the council is so often on the receiving end of flack over roadworks along its 740 miles of roads – most of which not of their making.

The council's role, he pointed out, is to engineer any forthcoming blockage to make it as trouble free for motorists, neighbours and the environment as possible.

Mr Hemingway said: "Residents seem to think we have a choice here at the council over whether to let the utilities and their contractors onto the highway in the first place.

"The simple truth of the matter is that under the legislation we can't say no – we can only tell them that it must be over a weekend or off peak or what have you.

"The public have to remember that all the services they enjoy and take for granted, like water, gas, electricity, telecoms and drains all need periodical maintenance."

A department of Transport spokesman said: "Disruption from street works costs the economy about £4.9bn each year and ongoing roadworks are among road users' biggest concerns. These fixed penalty notices are an additional tool to encourage utility companies to give accurate and timely notices of works, helping councils co-ordinate works and reducing disruption."

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