The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Bid to crack down on drivers who abuse motorway workers
Behaviour of a small minority of road users is ‘completely unacceptable’
Nearly three-quarters of Scotland’s trunk road workers say they have had their lives endangered or been abused by motorists, according to a new survey.
A week-long campaign was launched yesterday calling on road users to be patient and respect the workforce who carry out road maintenance.
To try to counter these negative driver behaviours, CCTV body cameras have been deployed at some roadwork sites, with additional signs installed at some locations to try to address the abuse and unsafe behaviour.
Eddie Ross of Bear Scotland, which is responsible for managing and maintaining trunk roads in Tayside and Fife, said: “We understand that no one likes to be held up.
“However, the behaviour of a small minority of road users is completely unacceptable.
“No one should have to experience unsafe or reckless behaviour in their workplace.
“It is extremely disappointing to see the level of abuse and negative driver behaviour our teams have faced in the past year when they are doing their job in carrying out essential works to keep the trunk roads running safely.”
RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: “Those working to fix and improve our roads deserve our respect rather than the shocking abuse many are often subjected to.
“Anyone who abuses road workers, either physically or verbally, should be reported to the police.
“We urge motorists who witness this kind of behaviour from others to remember the number plate of the offending vehicle and then to get in contact with the police.”
Sandy Allan, road safety manager for accident prevention charity RoSPA in Scotland, said: “Respecting the safety of those working close to ‘live traffic’ is essential.
“Everyone is entitled to feel and be safe on our roads and especially individuals who are more exposed than those driving.
“Essential works undertaken on our roads benefit all, and these cannot always be achieved without limited disruption.”
Richard Jones, head of policy and public affairs at IOSH, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, added: “These findings about dangerous driving and the abuse of road workers by motorists are still shocking and unacceptable, with more injuries reported in this year’s figures despite an overall decline.
“Road workers – like all of us – have the right to safe and healthy working conditions for their essential and difficult work and we urge all road-users to support them and this campaign.”