Telecoms company fined after carrying out works without a valid permit in Putney

The telecommunications company appeared before magistrates on Tuesday 8 September after being prosecuted by Wandsworth Council for breaching the borough's Traffic Management Permit Scheme. 

Openreach carried out works on Biggs Row, Putney, earlier this year without the valid permit required under Regulation 19(1) of the Traffic Management Permit Scheme. 

Street works permits help the council coordinate activities on the highway, minimise disruption for residents, businesses and road users, and ensure public safety is maintained during works. 

At the hearing, Openreach entered an early guilty plea to the charge. 

Magistrates fined BT Limited, which trades as Openreach, £3,000, reduced to £2,000 in recognition of the company's early guilty plea. They also ordered the company to pay a Victim Surcharge of £800 and Wandsworth Council's prosecution costs of £1,515. 

The total amount payable is £4,315, to be paid within 28 days. 

Councillor Nick Austin, Wandsworth Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: 

"Roadworks can have a significant impact on residents, businesses and people travelling around the borough. That's why it is essential that all utility companies and contractors obtain the correct permits before carrying out work on our roads. 

"The permit scheme helps us coordinate works effectively, reduce disruption and keep people safe. We will continue to take enforcement action where organisations fail to comply with the rules." 

Wandsworth Council operates a permit scheme that requires utility companies and contractors to obtain approval before carrying out activities on the public highway. The scheme helps manage traffic flow, reduce congestion and ensure works are conducted in accordance with agreed conditions. 

The successful prosecution demonstrates the council's ongoing commitment to enforcing regulations that protect residents from unnecessary disruption and help keep the borough moving.  

In related news, Wandsworth Council is laying out the latest transport progress and a range of new measures to tackle congestion, reduce disruption from roadworks and improve journeys in the borough.