Hazardous roadwork leads to heavy fine

A major water company has been ordered to pay out a total of £4,500 for undertaking work on the streets that could have endangered the public. 

Newham Council prosecuted Thames Water Utilities Limited after the company failed to display road signs and implement adequate pedestrian and traffic control measures while working in Manor Park.

Appearing at Stratford Magistrates Court on November 20, Thames Water pleaded guilty to five breaches of the Safety Code of Practice, under Section 65 of the 1991 New Roads and Street Works Act.

The company was fined £400 for each of the five breaches plus £2,500 costs for the offences that took place in Byron Avenue, Browning Road and Sibley Grove in late 2007.

The council had already prosecuted Thames Water last November on a similar charge for not ensuring the safety of work that took place in High Street South, East Ham.

Executive member for public realm, Councillor Ian Corbett, said: “It’s utterly disgraceful how these utilities companies cause inconveniences when digging up our roads. It’s worse when the work is carried out with little or no concern for people’s safety.

“We will not put up with such irresponsible acts. These companies are clearly putting profits before safety.

“Let this be a lesson to any company that conducts its business with no regard for the safety of the public – we will not hesitate in prosecuting.”