I get the impression that on the mainland you cant do anything outside without worrying about the DNO neutral becoming open circuit. No doubt all the fuss over EV installations has percolated through to the wholesalers counter.

It seems that despite the statement in Regulation 114.1 (second paragraph, see extract below) and despite the use of the word "shall", some are determined to tie themselves in knots every time a cable breaks out of a main building. 

On a PME supply, if the neutral is chopped through in the street, there should always be a connection to earth somewhere.  But with all the neutral current going through it, that doesn't mean that it's anywhere near 0V compared with a screwdriver in the flower bed.

On a PME supply, if the neutral is chopped through in the street, there should always be a connection to earth somewhere.  But with all the neutral current going through it, that doesn't mean that it's anywhere near 0V compared with a screwdriver in the flower bed.

Yes, I think I would agree that if the neutral is "chopped through" it is likely outside the control of the DNO. Mind you, I am not sure how that might happen. 

If the neutral is lost and injury did occur, it would have to be proven that the DNO took all reasonable precautions to avoid such an occurrence (Reg 7 ESQCR). If it was proven that they failed to do so, then a heavy fine might help them focus.