Water firm is fined over rogue roadworks

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Transport for London, which is clamping down on delays caused by utility firms, mounted its first prosecution of the firm at Westminster magistrates' court for failing to issue warnings about its plan and breaching safety rules.

The move comes ahead of new laws that will require utility firms to apply to TfL and borough councils for permits before they can dig up roads.

The aim is to co-ordinate works to minimise congestion. The Mayor claims roadworks have reduced traffic speeds in central London to near precongestion charge levels, even though there are far fewer cars.

Thames Water carried out work in Earl's Court Road last December and Vauxhall Bridge Road in January but failed to inform TfL in advance. Holes in Vauxhall Bridge Road and Finchley Road were not properly guarded or signposted, presenting a danger to the contractors and the public.

At present, firms must give a month's notice of the start of road works. They also have to inform the relevant local authority or TfL when the work is completed. From next April, when the Traffic Management Act 2004 will come into force, the notice period will increase to three months and permits must be applied for before work starts.

Thames Water said: "At the first available opportunity we pleaded guilty. We will be going back to our contractors and working with them to improve performance."