Check what you know

Did you know?

Best practice tips

Did you know?

  • On average, there is an incident of roadworker abuse reported every day.
  • On average, there are 175 incidents involving vehicles entering roadworks each month.
  • 74% of motorists admit to exceeding speed limits while travelling through roadworks.
Reduced speed limits help manage the risk around roadworks and are often an essential part of the temporary traffic management to ensure the safety of road users. Breaches are treated in the same way as permanent speed limits. You could get a £60 fine and three penalty points.
 
When travelling at 70mph, you will enter a section of roadworks just 51 seconds after seeing this sign.
 
Road users who disregard ‘road closed’ signs could receive a fixed penalty or prosecution for careless driving.

Best practice tips

  • Plan your journey and, where possible, avoid roads with roadworks.
    Visit: nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates for travel updates for motorways and major A roads.
  • National Highways closely monitors traffic in roadworks, but you must call 999 if you’ve broken down in them. The police will then alert us, so we can work with them to provide a co-ordinated response.

  • Be aware of reduced speed limits through roadworks, and slow down in good time.
  • Pay attention to road signs advising of roadworks.
  • Look out for traffic management features, like narrow lanes and traffic cones, as you get closer to the roadworks.
  • Use your mirrors and get into the correct lane in good time and as signs direct. Do not switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic.
  • Keep a safe distance and leave at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front.
  • Keep calm and alert, allowing yourself extra thinking and braking distance.

Look out for the possibility of roadworkers and slow-moving vehicles entering or leaving the works area. Works vehicles will typically be liveried and have amber flashing lights.

Considerations:

  • A lack of concentration can lead to drivers veering into cones or even following roadworks vehicles into the roadworks.
  • Speeding, lack of attention, falling asleep at the wheel, and aggressive driving all contribute to crashes in roadworks.
  • Crashing in roadworks may result in increased delays, damage to your vehicle, increased insurance costs, points on your licence, disqualification and a jail sentence.
  • It is unacceptable to verbally or physically threaten roadworkers.

This information sheet is free for employers to download and distribute to their drivers.
It may not be amended in any way | Copyright 2022 National Highways.

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