Traffic Scotland has launched a roadworker safety campaign in response to an increase in vehicles entering live roadworks.

These incidents are happening regularly and create a serious risk to roadworkers, drivers and passengers. Roadworkers play an essential role in maintaining and improving Scotland’s trunk road and motorway network. While carrying out this work, they often operate close to live traffic and rely on road users following traffic management measures to keep everyone safe.

More drivers are ignoring red lights, temporary signage and traffic management at roadworks, leading to vehicles entering closed work areas.

This behaviour is often driven by impatience -result in drivers rushing through red lights, bypassing cones or driving into areas that are clearly closed. Even one vehicle entering a worksite can cause a serious or life-changing incident in seconds.

Amey’s north east Scotland Account Director, Tom Wallace, said:

“Red lights and other traffic control measures are important in ensuring the safety of our roadworkers and road users.

“Those who continue to avoid guidance and signage can cause incursions which pose a great risk to our operatives, other road users and themselves.

“We need all road users to be mindful of the importance of traffic management to keep people safe, to be respectful of our employees working on the trunk roads and understand that they are maintaining the network to keep us all safe.”

A Traffic Scotland spokesperson said:

“Roadworks exist to maintain and improve the network by keeping roads safe for everyone who uses them. The people working there deserve the same care and consideration they give to road users every day.

“By slowing down, following the signs and showing patience, you can help make sure everyone, drivers and roadworkers alike, gets home safely.”

(Picture: Traffic Scotland)