Council officers are cracking down on unauthorised utility works, which have caused traffic chaos.
Essex Highways has put a stop to disruptive repair works carried out by a sub-contractor on behalf of Openreach in Thorpe-le-Soken.
It was found they were working without an approved permit, a spokesperson for Essex County Council said.
The works near the war memorial involved four-way traffic lights at the same time as a planned closure in Walton Road, leaving the area heavily congested.
Openroad was told to leave the site immediately and will be fined, as their permit application had not been approved.
County Hall highways boss Mark Platt said: “As the new cabinet member for highways, I will not tolerate rule-breaking of any kind.
“Utility companies must follow the rules and obtain the correct permits before carrying out works.
“This is essential to keep Essex moving and minimise disruption for residents and businesses.”
Essex Highways said it continues its collaboration with utility companies to keep travel disruptions to a minimum.
Councillor Daniel Land, deputy cabinet member, said: “It’s important we crack down on unauthorised works and ensure utility companies abide by the rules.
“Local residents have already faced unnecessary delays, and I know they will welcome this intervention.
“We hope this sends a clear message that this type of action will not be tolerated.”
Openreach has apologised to residents, as a spokesperson said: “We’re investigating our recent work in Thorpe-le-Soken after a report from Essex County Council.
"We always aim to minimise disruption as we work to repair and upgrade the UK’s largest broadband network, so we’re sorry for any inconvenience we might've caused in this case.”
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