Essex Highways is installing CCTV on the £2.39m Dovercourt Kingsway roadworks after repeated abuse of its workforce both online and on site. The cameras aim to deter further incidents and provide evidence if complaints arise.
Abuse triggers CCTV installation
During the upgrade of Kingsway, Dovercourt’s B1414 main road, workers experienced abuse from passers-by, which Essex Highways described as “completely unacceptable.” It issued an open letter to residents and businesses on 7 October outlining plans to fit CCTV on site and warning that it will take “the strongest possible action” if abuse continues.
The letter emphasises that construction staff are “doing their best to deliver the scheme” and should not face harassment while working.
How the scheme is delivered
The ongoing scheme, delivered by M Group for Essex County Council and Tendring District Council, is part of a broader £9m town centre regeneration programme. It began in June with the installation of a temporary one-way system and suspension of parking along Kingsway.
To keep the programme on track, sections of the eastern carriageway have been paved first, progressing to the western side after substantial completion. According to Essex Highways, working on larger sections one side at a time speeds delivery and reduces overall disruption compared with smaller phased works.
Managing disruption and parking
The scheme has caused inconvenience, particularly parking suspension along Kingsway to support traffic management. Tendring District Council has extended parking permits for Orwell Place Car Park, and unrestricted parking remains on Marine Parade. Milton Road car park is used for material storage to free up spaces in the town centre.
M Group commits to reopening safe parking bays on Kingsway as work sections complete. Signs indicate that local businesses remain open, and deliveries are accommodated where possible.
Protecting workers and engaging community
CCTV on construction sites serves two main functions: deterring unacceptable behaviour and providing a clear record if incidents require investigation. For a town-centre scheme with work carried out behind fencing next to live traffic and pedestrians, this evidence can distinguish complaints from confirmed offences.
The project will also add benches, litter bins and new trees, plus new public spaces beside Dovercourt railway station and Harwich Library once paving completes. Residents and businesses can attend drop-in sessions at Harwich Library from 10am to 12 noon on the first and third Monday each month, with the next event on 19 October. Questions are also accepted via email at dovercourtpublicrealm@essexhighways.org.
Nationally, roadworker abuse is increasingly recognised as a safety issue. Essex Highways’ move reflects growing concerns highlighted in recent campaigns, such as those in East Sussex, which treat abuse as a serious risk rather than mere bad behaviour.
