Council fines network company failing ‘bare minimum’ of safety

By Keerthana Syam

A power network company was successfully prosecuted for putting members of the public at risk.

UK Power Networks has been fined £40,000 plus the council’s legal costs for failing to enclose work areas during street projects.

Kensington and Chelsea council prosecuted UK Power Networks on Monday for unsafe works in two roads near Kensington High Street. 

The company initially entered a guilty plea on March 19. It was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £2,000 and legal costs of £4,654.75.

Cllr 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.

“It is the bare minimum to ask that companies make sure our streets are safe when they are working in them. 

“We’ll continue to hold those companies to account who neglect safety measures, so we can drive up standards and protect the public.”  

During an inspection at Adam and Eve Mews, officers found operatives working on site with an open excavation and a mini digger.

At Queen’s Gate Mews, a large excavation with an open trench was underway, partially extending outside a residential property.

Pictured top: An open site with a mini digger raised safety concerns (Picture: Kensington and Chelsea council)