More than 400 drivers deliberately entered closed roadwork areas between January and July 2023, risking lives and safety. Over half of these incursions involved drivers attempting to bypass queues, closures or diversions, a rise from 47% in 2020.
Incursions put roadworkers at risk
National Highways defines incursions as incidents where vehicles enter sections of road closed for roadworks. Data from across England’s motorways and major A roads show 1,633 incursions in 2022 alone, with a majority linked to deliberate driver action.
Drivers attempting to circumvent delays create hazardous environments for roadworkers. These actions have forced full motorway closures to protect workers, causing longer journey times for other road users.
M1 closure highlights risks
A recent example occurred on the M1 in Hertfordshire, where a series of close calls led to a complete closure. The closure required a 10-mile diversion for drivers, aiming to keep workers safe from errant traffic.
Sinead Ryan, Traffic Management Foreman for HW Martin, explained: “People don’t always realise how dangerous our job can be. We work close to live traffic and, while we can do everything possible to keep ourselves safe, we can’t control the actions of drivers.
“When someone ignores a closure or drives into a work area, it only takes a second for someone to get hurt. There are real people working behind those cones and all we’re trying to do is get home safely at the end of the day.”
National Highways calls for respect and compliance
Melanie Clarke OBE, Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at National Highways, described the figures as worrying. She said: “These figures show a worrying number of drivers wilfully ignoring roadworks to save time, putting roadworkers and other people at risk.
“Our roadworkers have the right to carry out repairs and improvements safely and we ask all drivers to follow signed routes and never enter restricted areas.”
While some incursions are caused by breakdowns or unintended entry, the majority arise from drivers seeking to avoid delays. National Highways continues to work with contractors and supply chain partners to reduce these incidents.
The risks highlighted affect all UK roads where roadworks occur, including motorways and A roads managed under the Traffic Management Act and NRSWA regulations.
