Essex Highways is to install CCTV at a town centre improvement scheme in the northeast of the county after roadworkers suffered abuse both online and on site.

Essex Highways has warned that abuse of staff delivering the Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme near Harwich is unacceptable, pledging to take further action if incidents continue.

In an update published by Tendring District Council, issued on behalf of Essex County Council, Tendring District Council and M Group, it said: “Our workers are doing their best to deliver the scheme and should not have to endure abuse when simply doing their jobs.”

The project forms part of a wider £9 million town centre regeneration programme. Essex Highways acknowledged disruption but said working on larger sections of Kingsway allows faster completion and reduces the overall period of inconvenience.

Construction began in June and is scheduled to finish in the winter. Residents and businesses with concerns are encouraged to attend regular drop-in sessions at Harwich Library.

The warning comes as Highways News reported calls for roadworker abuse victims to report incidents and gather evidence to support prosecutions, following a panel discussion at LCRIG’s Strictly Highways conference in Blackpool.

Delegates heard that vehicle registration numbers, descriptions of those involved, precise times and locations, and body-worn or dashcam footage can help police investigate incidents.

Lancashire Police Chief Inspector John Jennings-Wharton urged employers to equip frontline staff to capture evidence and support them when reporting abuse. Other panellists stressed the importance of preserving evidence, checking affected workers are safe and providing aftercare.

(Picture – Tendring District Council)