Thames Water fined over £100k for carrying out unsafe works in Kensington and Chelsea

Thames Water was successfully prosecuted by Kensington and Chelsea Council on Tuesday 13 May 2025 for carrying out unsafe works in Marloes Road in Kensington.

Last year, Thames Water pleaded not guilty to a charge for unsafe works in Marloes Road and was found guilty on Tuesday 13 May 2025 at City of London Magistrates Court. They were found not guilty of four other charges. The company had also previously pleaded guilty to six further charges and was handed fines totalling £118,623 during the hearing.

District Judge Snow ordered Thames Water to pay fines of £96,000 for charges under Section 60, Section 65 and Section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, and Regulation 20 of The Traffic Management Permit Scheme (England) Regulations 2007. The company is also required to pay £2,000 victim surcharge and Council costs of £20,623.

The case was brought forward by Kensington and Chelsea Council’s network management team following inspections at the work sites where officers found several safety hazards at work sites. Thames Water operatives failed to provide a safe alternative route, blocked footways and failed to co-operate with the Council while carrying out work across the borough.

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.”

A Council street works compliance officer inspected works in Pembroke Walk and found several safety hazards at the worksite. The operatives working on site had failed to fully enclose the works area with a continuous barrier system and blocked the footway and failed to provide a safe alternative route which resulted in pedestrians being forced to walk out into a live carriageway unprotected.

Thames Water also failed to co-operate with the Council by implementing an illegal road closure in Walton Street, prohibiting vehicular traffic, and providing false notifications of Immediate street works in Walton Street, Ladbroke Grove and King’s Road.

PICTURE: Kensington and Chelsea Council