Shocking footage has been released by Highways England as they claim the lives of road workers are being put at risk.
Research by Highways England shows that there are numerous accounts of serious incidents and near misses – such as motorists driving into coned off areas where people are working.
In the North West there were a reported 1203 such incidents of almost 3,500 nationally between July 2016 and September 2017.
Worryingly the North West has the second most incidents of all regions, behind only the North East with 1224. Of the incidents reported, 150 were serious, leading to four road workers and two motorists being injured.
On average there are nearly 300 incidents a week of incursions and abuse reported by road workers who are busy improving England’s 4300 miles of motorways and strategic A roads for the benefit of all road users.
Mike Wilson, Chief Highways Engineer, said: “While we plan our maintenance and improvement works to minimise inconvenience to drivers, some road closures are necessary and ultimately for benefit of road users.
“Drivers who selfishly and illegally ignore these traffic restrictions to force their way through are putting both their lives and those of our road workers at risk – all to save a few minutes on their journey.”
Selfish drivers sadly form a large part of the incursions, with 62% due to a breakdown and 20% to seek benefit (eg ignoring a road closure).
