Companies and residents are being reminded not to obstruct the highway as part of the council’s ongoing work to keep roads and pavements clear, benefitting pedestrians and road users.
The reminder warning follows a prosecution of a company where building materials and fencing were found obstructing a footway in Hartfield Road, West Wickham. A fixed penalty notice was sent to the owner of the property, followed by a reminder letter. As the fixed penalty was not paid, the company was prosecuted on 7 January 2025. Hsask Ltd was found guilty of obstructing the footway and ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £1473.
Councillor Angela Page, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Enforcement, said, “Obstructing the highway is a criminal offence, and the company in this example was given multiple chances to pay the penalty, with prosecution only following when the fixed penalty was not paid. This prosecution also serves as a reminder for all that it is important to pay fixed penalty notices as prosecution remains a last resort, but enforcement action will be taken when necessary to keep roads and pavements obstruction free for the benefit of all, including those with visual impairment for instance who may not be able to see the obstructions either.”
The fixed penalty notice was first sent to Hsask Ltd on 15 August 2024 with a reminder letter then also being sent, with legal action being taken the following month in September 2024.
The prosecution is part of the council’s enforcement work to keep roads and pavements clear of obstructions. Visit www.Bromley.gov.uk/Prosecutions to see a list of the most recent prosecutions undertaken by the council.
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Notes to editors:
The defendant, Hsask Ltd, was proved guilty at Bexley Magistrates Court on 7 January 2025 as part of a Single Justice Procedure. Hsask Ltd was fined £750 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £300 and £423 in prosecution costs, totalling £1473.
For media enquiries, please contact David Aderogba, Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8466 3060 or email david.aderogba@bromley.gov.uk.