Thames Water doesn’t remove Turnpike Road traffic lights and incurs daily charge from West Berkshire Council

Thames Water could be to blame for today’s traffic light issues and traffic build-up in Turnpike.

West Berkshire Council has stated that Thames Water should have removed a set of traffic lights in Turnpike Road by close of play yesterday.

The water industry company did not, and they are now being charged daily by West Berkshire Council until they do so.

A council spokesperson said: “The temporary traffic lights in question are the responsibility of Thames Water, and should have been removed from the site by close of play yesterday in accordance with their permitted working dates.

“An extension request was submitted for these works, but was subsequently refused due to conflicting works in the area commencing today.

“As such, West Berkshire Council were not aware that the lights were still in place until a report was made that they were stuck on all red.

“As soon as the report was received, a streetworks inspector visited the site and the matter was reported to Thames Water to rectify accordingly.

“With regard to Thames Water continuing to occupy the highway beyond the end date of their permit, a daily charge will be levied against them until the site is cleared.”