Enfield Council has successfully prosecuted Thames Water in court as they 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 (EN2) and Waterfall Road, Southgate (N14) respectively to undertake street works.
A case was heard on 11 June 2026 at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court in north London, where Thames Water entered two guilty pleas for two separate offences.
The Council’s case was Thames Water had made a calculated decision to misrepresent their works and avoid undertaking the necessary procedures.
Cllr Maria Alexandrou, Cabinet Member for Environment at Enfield Council, 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.”
The impact Thames Water’s actions would have had on the travelling public, and the emergency services were key factors in their offending.
The company’s defence was they undertook over 2,800 works in Enfield in 2025 but admitted they made mistakes in the two cases brought to court.
Thames Water were sentenced for both offences. The fines imposed: Chase Side - £14,000 and Waterfall Road - £18,000.
The judge ordered a victim surcharge of £2,000 plus the Council’s costs of £6,476.16. Final total: £40,476.16.
Further information on roadworks in Enfield can be found here.