The Incursions Working Group is set to release its September bulletin showing a 39% month-on-month reduction in incursions on the strategic road network, but warning that the threat to roadworkers remains significant, with more than three-quarters of recorded incidents classified as medium or high risk.
The National Highways Incursions Working Group recorded 115 incursions during September, a reduction of 74 compared with August. Despite the fall, 89 incidents were classified as medium or high risk, accounting for 77% of the monthly total.
The figures underline the continuing dangers faced by roadworkers when drivers enter areas that have been closed off for roadworks, whether through deliberate actions, confusion over temporary traffic management or by following authorised vehicles into a closure.
The bulletin also identifies 63 incursions, representing 55% of the total, as incidents in which drivers were seeking a benefit. Deliberate incursions remain a particular concern for the Working Group, alongside weaknesses in closure integrity and the control of site access and exit points.
North West records highest number of incursions
The North West recorded the highest regional volume, with 31 incursions during September. The South East followed with 22, while the Midlands recorded 20.
The East Region recorded 15 incidents, Yorkshire and North East 14, and the South West 10.
The bulletin states that 2% of all closures experienced an incursion during September, compared with an average of 3% so far in 2026.
While the overall figures show a marked improvement on the previous month, the Working Group says continued attention is needed at access and egress points, where vehicles can enter work areas despite the presence of traffic management measures.
It also highlights challenges involving vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and e-bike users, particularly where roadworks are adjacent to public access routes.
Warning systems reach highest utilisation of the year
One positive development is the increased use of Incursion Prevention and Alerting Systems (IPAWS), with utilisation reaching 63% in September, the highest level recorded this year.
The bulletin identifies the effective deployment of incursion warning technology as an important factor in improving workforce awareness and response. Other examples of good practice include strong operational leadership, prompt reporting and escalation, and the sharing of lessons between regions.
The Working Group is calling for continued monitoring of closure integrity throughout shifts, particularly at access points and crossovers, alongside improved advance warning information to reduce driver confusion and inappropriate access.
Teams are also being urged to review locations experiencing repeated incursions, strengthen workforce briefings on vehicle-following behaviour and deliberate entry, and ensure all incidents, near misses and abuse incidents are reported within 24 hours.
No injuries recorded, but fatal incident underlines the risks
The September bulletin records no injuries resulting from the 115 incursions. It also lists four blue-light incidents, no IPV strikes, four breakdown incidents and 22 low-risk incursions. However, the Working Group’s safety message stresses that lower incident numbers should not lead to complacency.
“Although September saw a significant reduction in incursions, 89 incidents were still classified as Medium or High Risk. Never assume a closure remains secure,” the bulletin states.
“Remain vigilant, monitor access points continuously and be prepared to respond to unexpected vehicle or pedestrian entry at any time.”
The bulletin also records the sentencing, on 28 September, of Vilius Domarkas to 10 years’ imprisonment after he admitted causing the death of highways worker Anthony Howe by dangerous driving.
Domarkas drove into a coned-off work area on the M23 near Gatwick Airport and was found to be significantly over the legal alcohol limit. He was also disqualified from driving for 16 years and eight months. The case provides a stark reminder of the consequences when drivers enter protected work areas and the risks faced by those maintaining the road network.
Looking ahead, the Working Group says priorities include targeted reviews of locations experiencing repeated incursions, continued deployment and optimisation of warning technology, and greater sharing of lessons and preventative measures across the regions.
The September figures suggest that progress is being made in reducing the overall number of incursions, but the proportion classified as medium or high risk demonstrates that protecting roadworkers remains an urgent priority.
(Picture: National Highways)
