Drivers’ speed warning

38 caught at roadworks

MOTORISTS are being urged to obey the rules as police record speeding offences at a prominent roadwork site.

Tasmania Police have identified 38 speeding offences at the Hobart Airport roundabout since roadworks began in the area in late July.

The fastest recorded speed was 22km/h over the limit.

Inspector Brian Edmonds said motorists needed to obey posted speed limits at all times — whether or not there were roadwork signs displayed.

“Reduced speed limits around roadworks are in place to keep both roadworkers and motorists safe,” he said.

Traffic Management Association of Australia national secretary Camille O’Meara questioned whether it was acceptable for others to be abused in their place of work.

“Seventy-three per cent of incidents reported at roadwork sites involve third party error, negligence or other factors outside of direct influence or control of the workers on site,” she said.

“We understand the travelling public’s frustration but the on-site workers are just doing their jobs and should be free from the abuse and threatening behaviour of others.

“Would it be acceptable to abuse you in your workplace?

“These people are doing their jobs to make your roads safer and less congested but projects take time to deliver and cause some level of disruption during the process. We ask for your patience and understanding.”

RACT chief member experience officer Stacey Pennicott said roadworks could be frustrating at times, but there was no excuse for speeding.

“It is inherently dangerous for those working on and alongside our roads and we want to make sure they make it home safely,” she said.

“We should all know by now that there are roadworks at the airport roundabout and they are likely to be there for a while yet.

“It may take a little longer to get through the area than usual, but we must put safety first and stick to the limits.”

Roadworkers have one of the most dangerous workplaces in the state, Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania branch CEO Rachael Matheson said.

“Every day we hear reports of harrowing near misses and sometimes even worse, accidents or fatalities,” she said.

“I know it can be frustrating sometimes, but please slow down around roadworks for the sake of workers and their families.”

kasey.wilkins@news.com.au