Thames Water fined for roads chaos

In the first prosecution of its kind in West Berkshire, the company was brought before Newbury magistrates where it admitted two offences under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.
The court case followed an investigation by the West Berkshire Council’s highways and transport service in partnership with trading standards.
The charges related to two offences that were committed in October 2013. In the first instance, Thames Water Utilities (TWU) Ltd failed to give correct notice of emergency works that were carried out at the Ridge, Cold Ash on or around October 9 last year.
They also left temporary signals on site during peak traffic periods causing considerable disruption to traffic.
Secondly, TWU started works at Padworth Road, Burghfield, and erected four-way traffic lights that subsequently failed and stuck on red. In this instance the company failed to give the required advance notice in relation to the works.
The company was fined a total of £240 and ordered to pay £210 costs plus a statutory victim surcharge of £20.
West Berkshire's Executive Member for Highways, Pamela Bale (Con, Pangbourne) said: "The decision to prosecute was taken after previous fixed penalties had been issued to TWU Ltd for failing to comply with the notification requirement causing considerable disruption to traffic during the peak travel period.
“The requirement is there to ensure that council can as far as possible minimise disruption to local residents. This prosecution sends a clear message that the Council will take legal action where companies ignore this important piece of legislation."
To report any highways related matters contact West Berkshire Council 01635 519080, e-mail customerservices@westberks.gov.uk or report at www.westberks.gov.uk