Hsask Ltd received a fixed penalty notice for obstructing a footway on Hartfield Road, West Wickham, resulting in a fine of 1,473 due to non-payment. The company initially received the penalty on August 15, 2024, with subsequent reminders before prosecution on January 7, 2025. The ruling by Bexley Magistrates Court imposed a £750 fine, a £300 victim surcharge, and £423 in costs. Councillor Angela Page emphasized the importance of complying with such notices to ensure public spaces remain accessible, particularly for individuals with visual impairments.
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.
Collection
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