UK Power Networks has been fined £40,000 for carrying out unsafe works on two roads in Kensington.
Officers from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea visited Adam and Eve Mews and Queen’s Gate Mews last year to inspect works being carried out by the company.
Operatives at Adam and Eve Mews were found working on-site with an open excavation and a mini digger, while those at Queen’s Gate were observed working with an open trench, partially outside a residential property.
The council stated that UK Power Networks had failed to fully enclose the work area with a barrier system, leaving members of the public at risk.
The company was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates Court and was ordered to pay fines of £40,000.
They were also ordered to pay the Council’s legal costs of £4,654.75 and a victim surcharge of £2,000.
Councillor Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for planning and public realm said: “The outcome of this case is a good result, but it’s disappointing that we’re still having to bring these cases to court at all.
“It is the bare minimum to ask that companies make sure our streets are safe when they are working in them.
“We will continue to hold those companies to account who neglect safety measures, so we can drive up standards and protect the public.”
A spokesperson for UK Power Networks said: “Our highly trained teams always strive to maintain a safe environment around our street works and we apologise that on these occasions our high standards were not met.
“To maintain reliable electricity supplies for local homes and businesses, connect and modify power supplies, we carry out approximately 13,700 excavations annually in London.
“As part of our constant focus on compliance, we have completed further refresher training and briefings with our teams.”
