Broadband provider handed £50,000 fine for unsafe works

On Wednesday 4 December 2024, Hyperoptic Ltd was successfully prosecuted by Kensington and Chelsea Council for carrying out unsafe works on Old Brompton Road, South Kensington.

What was the fine?

Following a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court, Hyperoptic Ltd were fined £50,000 and were ordered to pay £2,000 victim surcharge and £2,500 towards the Council’s legal costs. 

Councillor Cem Kemahli, lead member planning and public realm said: 

“Keeping our streets clear and safe for residents is our top priority and we will continue to crackdown on companies who don’t take safety seriously. 

  

“This is our first successful prosecution of Hyperoptic, which not only put public safety at risk but caused disruption to motorists by ignoring safety measures.  

  

“Our network management team are working hard to ensure street works are coordinated to minimise disruption and carried out in the safest possible way. We will not hesitate to take legal action against companies who continue to put members of public at risk.” 

What happened?

On 26 January 2024, the Council’s Street Works Compliance Inspector witnessed operatives working in a manhole in the carriageway on Old Brompton Road and found several safety issues including inadequate barriers, no advance warning signs for motorists, no temporary traffic management and leaving manhole exposed to public. 

Prosecutions in 2024

This year the Council prosecuted four utility companies for carrying out unsafe street works in the borough with fines totaling £288,334 and £30,568 towards the Council’s legal costs.