Thames Water fined after roadworks in Royal Wootton Bassett and Purton carried out without permits
The water company pleaded guilty to two offences at Swindon Magistrates' Court
Last updated 5th Nov 2026
Thames Water has been fined after carrying out work on two Wiltshire roads without the necessary permits and permissions.
The company pleaded guilty to two separate offences at Swindon Magistrates' Court on 26th October 2026 after the prosecution was brought forward by Wiltshire Council.
Thames Water was fined £14,000 for the offence in Royal Wootton Bassett and £1,000 for the offence in Purton.
It was also ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £15,000 in legal costs, taking the total to £32,000.
Wiltshire Council say the offences related to work on Station Road in Royal Wootton Bassett in April 2024 and Station Road in Purton in July 2024.
In Royal Wootton Bassett, Thames Water carried out works without an approved permit.
In Purton, it closed the public highway without the necessary authority.
The company pleaded guilty to offences under Regulation 19 of the Traffic Management Permit Scheme (England) Regulations 2007 and Section 60 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.
The council's case was that Thames Water had made conscious decisions to go ahead with the work without the necessary approvals or permits in place.
Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Highways, Cllr Martin Smith, said: "Utilities companies have an important job to do, but they must follow the correct processes before carrying out works or closing our roads.
"Carrying out works without the necessary approvals can cause significant inconvenience to residents and businesses and can also affect the emergency services.
"Our Network Management team works hard to coordinate works to minimise disruption as much as possible, but if utilities companies choose not to follow the correct processes, it can create real issues for our communities.
"We will not hesitate to take action where companies disregard the rules. We hope this prosecution sends a clear message to all utilities companies that they must have the correct permissions in place before starting works.
"If anyone becomes aware of a road closure that does not appear to have the necessary legal notice in place, please report it to our Streetworks team and, if it is safe to do so, take photographs that may help provide evidence."