The Island Roads Safety Group has recorded 61 incidents in the three months since it was established to encourage motorists to respect roadworkers and comply with temporary traffic management measures.
The group was formed following a rise in reports of roadworker abuse and because motorists continue to ignore temporary road closures, putting themselves and highway workers at risk.
The group’s members include representatives of the IW Council, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, the Hampshire and IW Police and Crime Commissioner and Island Roads. The partnership, suggested by Hampshire and IW Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, aims to ensure appropriate legal action is taken against motorists ignoring road closures or abusing roadworkers.
Since March, 14 incidents have been reported to police and, so far, action ranging from warning letters being issued to prosecution has been taken. The vast majority of reports are of vehicles breaching road closures, while there has been one report of harassment of call centre staff and another involving a public figure actively encouraging people to ‘sneak around’ road closures.
Even during the recent Walk the Wight, Island Roads staff witnessed drivers ignoring temporary traffic measures including driving through a ‘No Entry’ sign and entering a closed road, putting walkers and volunteers at risk.
Michelle Love, IW Council Service Director for Highways and Community Protection, said: “Though the vast majority of road users do the right thing, the fact that 61 incidents have been recorded in just three months highlights the extent of the issue we face.
“Temporary road closures are put in place for public safety and are legally enforceable. It is dangerous and against the law to ignore them, and the council will continue to play its part in supporting the work of the Island Roads Safety Group.”
Island Roads Service Director Steve Ashman said: “Our workers do not deserve to be abused, and they should not be put in danger by people ignoring road closures that are there to keep everyone safe.
“We were pleased that the council, police and crime commissioner all readily agreed to work with us to tackle roadworker abuse and to encourage motorists to obey temporary road closures.
“As a result of the Island Roads Safety Group, we have improved the way we record incidents to give the police what they need to take appropriate further action. While roadworker abuse remains a problem, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure we do all we can to bring those responsible to task.”
Superintendent Marcus Cator, Area Commander for the Isle of Wight, said: “Whilst delays to a journey can be frustrating, we encourage road users to be patient and remember that nobody should feel unsafe or threatened when they are simply doing their job.
“Island Roads staff are carrying out essential works across the Island, and we remain committed to ensuring behaviour that threatens their safety, and the safety of other road users around these areas, is tackled effectively. The Island should be a safe place to live, visit, and of course work for everybody in our community.”
Hampshire and IW Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “The continued behaviour directed at Island Roads staff remains a huge concern.
“Harassment and abuse in any form is unacceptable, and nobody should have to face it while doing their job. I am proud to support this partnership, which aims to address this issue and safeguard frontline workers delivering vital services to our communities.”
Island Roads is increasingly using mobile CCTV and body-worn cameras to help gather evidence and is also embarking on a review of its signage to make sure it is as clear as possible. It is also keen to point out that as well as breaking the law and causing a safety risk, driving through temporary road closures can invalidate insurance claims.
Watch footage below.