Thames water handed £67,000 fine for unsafe works across Kensington and Chelsea

Thames Water were successfully prosecuted by Kensington and Chelsea Council today (Friday 18 October 2024) at Westminster Magistrates Court for carrying out unsafe street works and incorrectly carrying out works under the Immediate works category when they should have been planned works.

How much was the fine?

Thames Water were charged for five offences and was ordered to pay £67,000 in fines, a £2,000 victim surcharge and £10,000 towards the Council's legal costs.

Why were they fined?

Kensington and Chelsea Council's Street works compliance officers witnessed unsafe working practices by operatives working on behalf of Thames Water at four locations (Park Walk, First Street, Burnaby Street and Old Brompton Road) in the borough between January and July in 2023. Operatives working on sites failed to fully enclose their works area, which contained open excavations, mechanical equipment and power tools in operation which could put members of the public at risk. In addition, a council officer identified that Thames Water had failed to carry out the works under the correct works category which impacted the Council's ability to carry out its statutory duty to co-ordinate works.

At a hearing today, the judge sentenced the company for five offences and were fined a total of £67,000. Thames Water were found not guilty for four other charges brought by the Council.

Cllr Cem Kemahli, Lead Member Planning and Public Realm said:
"Today's prosecution sends out a clear message to those who carry out unsafe street works in the borough and this fine serves as a reminder to all companies that safety must always come first. We are disappointed that Thames Water were found not guilty of four other charges, but the Council may consider appealing the decision for Thurloe Square. We expect the highest standards from companies working on our streets and will continue to take action against those who disregard the law and put members of public at risk."

This latest prosecution brings the total amount of fines against Thames Water this year to £107,000 for four offences of Section 65 of New Roads and Street Works Act.
Since 2012, London Authorities have prosecuted Thames Water for 98 offences relating to street works totalling £684,210 in fines and ordered to pay the authorities costs of £96,052.19. Thames Water have also been issued a further 5 simple cautions for street works related offences.