Thames Water fined £67k for 'unsafe' central London works

Thames Water has been fined £67,000 for “unsafe” street works carried out in central London.

The utilities giant was convicted of four counts of site safety failings over “unsafe working practices” between January and July last year in central London “which could put members of the public at risk,” said Kensington and Chelsea council.

The town hall, which brought the prosecution, said the charges related to unsafe works carried out in First Street, Belgravia, and Burnaby Street, Chelsea. Thames Water has apologised.

Council officials said that on arrival at First Street on May 31 last year, they found that Thames Water operatives had failed to fully enclose the works area, meaning members of the public were able to enter the works area which contained an open excavation.

They also said that a similar lack of enclosure at Burnaby Street on July 13 meant that members of the public could access the area while operators were using a powered disc saw.

In a separate incident, council officials found that Thames Water works on Old Brompton Street had greatly reduced the size of the road available to traffic, without putting up temporary lights to manage it safely.

Thames Water operatives carrying out 'unsafe' works on Burnaby St (RBKC)

On Friday, Westminster Magistrates’ Court ordered Thames Water to pay £67,000 in fines, a £2,000 victim surcharge and £10,000 towards the Council’s legal costs over the offences.

However, the company was found not guilty on four other charges brought by the council, some of which town hall officials said they were considering appealing.

Cllr Cem Kemahli, the council’s planning and public realm chief, said the prosecution sent a “clear message to those who carry out unsafe street works in the borough.

“This fine serves as a reminder to all companies that safety must always come first,” Cllr Kemahli said. 

“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 the public at risk.”

The latest prosecution brings the total amount of fines against Thames Water this year to £107,000 for offences under highways laws.

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.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “Ensuring the health and safety of our staff, customers, and the local communities in which we work is our top priority.

“We always aim to work collaboratively with councils to minimise disruption when work takes place. We’re sorry for not meeting the required standards on this occasion, in the course of street works done by a contractor working on our behalf.”