Network company fined £40k for unsafe works

UK Power Networks initially entered guilty pleas on Wednesday 19 March 2025 to two charges under Section 65 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

The company was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates Court and was ordered to pay fines of £40,000 for carrying out unsafe works on Adam and Eve Mews and Queen’s Gate Mews. They were also ordered to pay the Council’s legal costs of £4,654.75 and a victim surcharge of £2,000.

Council officers visited Adam and Eve Mews and Queen’s Gate Mews last year in May to inspect works being carried out by UK Power Networks.

During an inspection at Adam and Eve Mews, officers found operatives working on site with an open excavation and a mini digger. On Queen’s Gate Mews, works on a large excavation with an open trench were happening partly outside of a residential property.

On both occasions, UK Power Networks Operatives had failed to fully enclose the works area with a continuous barrier system to keep members of the public safe from harm. 

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 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.”