Network operator fined £38,000 for neglecting street site safety

UK Power Networks were successfully prosecuted on Monday 21 October by Kensington and Chelsea Council for carrying out unsafe street works in the borough and putting members of public at risk of harm following a hearing at City of London Magistrates Court.

What were the offences?

UK Power Networks pleaded guilty to three charges brought by Kensington and Chelsea Council's network management officers and were fined a total of £38,000 for offences including failure to comply with safety, failure to provide safe alternative routes for pedestrians and leaving the works area exposed to the public posing a risk of harm.

When and where did the offences take place?

UK Power Networks were ordered to pay a £2,000 victim charge and £12,793.31 towards Council's legal costs. The offences took place between March 2023 and November 2023 in Ladbroke Grove, Cornwall Crescent and Southwell Gardens and were charged under Section 65 of the New Roads and Works Act.

Cllr Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Planning and Public Realm said:
"Utility companies have a legal duty to ensure that street works are carried out safely and protect the public from risk of harm. The Council's network management team have a robust inspection regime to ensure work is carried out correctly and safely.
We will continue to take necessary action against those utility companies who do not meet the safety standards that our residents expect and are entitled to."

Since 2016, UK Power Networks have been prosecuted for seven offences by Kensington and Chelsea Council with fines totalling to £101,000 and legal costs of £13,656.28.

Since 2015, UK Power Networks have been prosecuted for 15 street works related offences by London Authorities, including Transport for London with fines totalling to £151,500 and legal costs of £15,037.28