Thames Water fined more than £40k after successful prosecution by Enfield Council

The private utility firm admitted two separate offences relating to unauthorised road closures and misused permits

Thames Water works taking place in Enfield

Enfield Council has successfully prosecuted Thames Water for the second time in as many years after the private utility company closed roads without permission and misused permits meant only for urgent work.

In June 2025 and September 2025, Thames Water closed Chase Side in Enfield Town and Waterfall Road in Southgate respectively, to undertake street works.

But the council accused Thames Water of making a “calculated decision” to misrepresent their works and avoid undertaking the necessary procedures.

This led to a bigger negative impact on the travelling public and emergency services, the council claimed.

In the case heard last month at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, Thames Water entered two guilty pleas for the two separate offences, and was subsequently told to pay the council a total of £40,476 in fines and legal costs.

Maria Alexandrou, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “In this case, Thames Water knew they had no authority to close the roads when they did, and abuse the use of urgent work permits to try and avoid going through the necessary processes to carry out their work.

“The actions taken showed a blatant disregard to the council, drivers and caused obstruction and inconvenience particularly to our residents with disabilities. The company will now be counting the costs of their actions.

“I am pleased the council was able to secure a criminal conviction that will drive meaningful change.

“The council will not hesitate to take action against any company who thinks they can flout the laws and break the rules.”

Thames Water was fined £14,000 for the illegal works in Chase Side and £18,000 for the Waterfall Road offence. The judge also ordered the firm to pay a victim surcharge of £2,000 plus the council’s costs of £6,476.16.

In September 2024, Thames Water was also ordered to pay more than £30,000 in fines and costs for similar offences related to non-compliance of roadworks permits and failing to co-operate with Enfield Council.

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