UK Power Networks fined for neglecting street site safety
UK Power Networks were successfully prosecuted on Monday, 21st 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.
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.
UK Power Networks were ordered to pay a £2,000 victim charge and £12,793.31 towards the 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.
“Utility companies have a legal duty to ensure that street works are carried out safely and protect the public from risk of harm,” Cllr Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Planning and Public Realm said. “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. The fines totalled £101,000 and the legal costs came out to £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
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