Thames Water has been fined over £100,000 for carrying out unsafe works in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
The case was brought forward by Kensington and Chelsea Council following inspections at work sites on Marloes Road and Pembroke Walk where officers found several safety hazards.
Workers from the water company blocked footpaths, failed to provide safe alternative routes, and did not cooperate with the council while carrying out works across the borough, the local authority said.
Thames Water also failed to work with the council by illegally closing Walton Street to traffic and gave false notices about urgent street works on Walton Street, Ladbroke Grove, and King’s Road, they added.
Last year, Thames Water denied a charge for unsafe works on Marloes Road but was found guilty on May 13 at the City of London Magistrates' Court. The company was cleared of four other charges.
The company had earlier admitted six other offences and was fined a total of £118,623.
Cllr Johnny Thalassites, Lead member for environment and planning said: “We work hard in this borough to protect our amazing spaces and keep our streets safe. This prosecution sends a clear message to all companies that prioritising safety is non-negotiable in Kensington and Chelsea.
“Council officers are diligent and proactive, visiting work sites regularly to make sure works are carried out safely are properly authorised. Despite previous warnings, Thames Water failed to take advice and disregarded the law.”
District Judge Snow ordered Thames Water to pay fines of £96,000, as well as a £2,000 victim surcharge and council costs of £20,623.
A Thames Water spokesperson said: "On Tuesday 13 May we were sentenced for breaches of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. We're sorry for not meeting the required standards on these occasions."
