Severn Trent Water fined for misusing road closure laws in Shropshire

The water firm must pay a total of £56,695 including a fine of £37,600

Severn Trent Water has been ordered to pay more than £56,000 for misusing road closure powers.

The water company "caused unwarranted inconvenience to the public" and compromised safety in some instances, Shropshire Council said.

It related to work carried out in the county between September 2022 and February when the firm bypassed planning procedures.

Severn Trent admitted 10 offences at Telford Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Immediate or emergency work can be carried out without prior planning or notification, but Severn Trent "increasingly misused" this type of legislation which was "not acceptable", the council said.

It included work to repair a leak in Whittington, the local authority said.

'Misuse of legislation'

It added the firm also failed to adequately sign, light and guard street works on part of the A495 in Whittington and on the A488 Edgebold Roundabout, while also failing to comply with a permit condition on the A488.

Chris Schofield, cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, at the council, which brought the prosecution, said: "All of these offences arose from of a misuse of the statutory legislation that is designed to enable utilities companies to engage with the council in respect of planned works being undertaken on the highways network.

"Severn Trent Water has increasingly misused the immediate works categories which undermines the necessity to undertake prior planning and notification to both the council and other stakeholders."

The water firm must pay a total of £56,695 including a fine of £37,600, costs and a victim surcharge.

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: "We always aim to complete any works quickly, safely and with as little disruption to our customers as possible.

"We recognise a small number of incorrect work permits were applied for in error and we'll continue to work with Shropshire Council to find the best ways to continue to improve processes around roadworks."