Two North Wales scaffolding companies have been prosecuted for works undertaken without a valid licence.
On Wednesday 14 February 2024, the Isle of Anglesey County Council prosecuted two scaffolding companies at Caernarfon Magistrates Court, after they had failed to comply with the necessary requirements of the Highways Act 1980.
Scaffolding companies are required by law, to ensure that a valid licence is in place at all times when scaffolding is erected on the highway. Section 169 of the Highways Act 1980 states that they should not erect or retain on or over a highway any structure or activity which obstructs it unless authorised to do so by a licence issued by the local authority.
Bangor-based Steve London Scaffolding did not attend the hearing, but magistrates found them guilty of placing a scaffold on Castle Street, Beaumaris, in October 2023, without a licence.
The company received a £1,500 fine for this offence and an additional £1,500 fine because there were no pole protectors fitted on the scaffolding, as required by the local authority. The magistrates court also awarded the authority costs. The fines, costs and victim surcharge amounted to approximately £5,940.
Rhyl-based Atom Scaffolding received a £1,000 fine after pleading guilty to placing a scaffold on the highway in Newborough without a licence between October and December 2023. The fines and costs amounted to approximately £2,000.
Anglesey’s Head of Highways, Waste Management and Property, Huw Percy, said, “Scaffolding companies have a duty to ensure that the structures they erect are safe, legal and do not endanger the public. Failure to place pole protectors on a scaffolding erected on the highway can cause a danger to the public.”
“Placing scaffolding on the highway without a valid licence can also nullify the scaffolding company’s public liability insurance. This could result in serious consequences for the company should an incident occur.”
He added, “The Isle of Anglesey County Council will not tolerate illegal or dangerous scaffolding structures on its highway network.”
Ends 21 February 2024