Thames Water fined £32,000 for unauthorised roadworks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 15:44 · Archive

Thames Water pleaded guilty to carrying out unauthorised roadworks in Wiltshire without proper permits or authority.

Thames Water pleaded guilty at Swindon Magistrates' Court on 26 October 2026 to carrying out unauthorised roadworks in Station Road, Royal Wootton Bassett, and Station Road, Purton. Wiltshire Council prosecuted the water company for offences that occurred in April 2024 and July 2024.

The company was fined £14,000 for the Royal Wootton Bassett offence, where it carried out work without an approved permit, and £1,000 for the Purton offence, where it closed the public highway without required authority. Thames Water must also pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £15,000 in legal costs, bringing the total to £32,000.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said that utilities companies must follow correct processes before carrying out works or closing roads. He stated that carrying out works without necessary approvals can cause significant inconvenience to residents and businesses and can affect emergency services. The council said it will continue to take action against companies that disregard the rules.

How it is being reported

• Thames Water pleads guilty in court as firm slapped with huge fineThames Water has been taken to court by the council and slapped with a huge fine after pleading guilty.Gazette & Herald · 5 Nov, 14:53
• Thames Water pleads guilty in court as firm slapped with huge fineThames Water has been taken to court by the council and slapped with a huge fine after pleading guilty.Swindon Advertiser · 5 Nov, 14:53

In this story: Thames Water · Wiltshire Council · Royal Wootton Bassett · Purton · Swindon Magistrates' Court · Martin Smith

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