LIVES are being put at risk after it was revealed highway workers and sub-contractors receive verbal and physical abuse while working on Worcestershire roads.
Scared workers have had cars driven into them, objects thrown at them, physical violence and swearing and shouting as they go about their jobs on Worcestershire's roads.
It has forced many to leave the profession altogether, Worcestershire Highways and Ringway bosses have revealed.
READ MORE: Angry mum says disabled son felt ashamed at being 'kicked off' school bus
Recently, Jon Fraser, head of Worcestershire Highways, received abuse as they closed a flooded Hylton Road to protect people.
He received verbal abuse from a man who wanted to walk through the flooded road with his dog.
Mr Fraser said: "All we wanted to do was stop him from walking through flood water.
"I think there is a sense of frustration sometimes when it takes people longer to complete their journey.
"But that is really no excuse to take that frustration out on the poor person who is trying to keep them safe.
"It's unacceptable in any other forms of work, and we think it is unacceptable on the highway as well."
Two years ago, to tackle the situation Worcestershire Highways and Ringway started a campaign which encouraged teams to report "near miss" incidents which they could then share with West Mercia Police.
West Mercia also set up Operation Snap so people can submit dashcam footage to police.
On Monday (January 23), bodycam footage was used to issue five warning letters to drivers after they drove through a temporary red light.
Where applicable, people who drive through red lights at our temporary traffic signals will be reported to Operation Snap. Today, it has been confirmed to us that 5 drivers will receive warning letters. Please observe the Highway Code and keep everyone safe. #SafetyForAReason pic.twitter.com/iGzhvyhUdy
— RingwayWorcs (@Ringway_Worcs) January 23, 2023
Richard Fryer, Ringway managing director, said: "In most of the incidents that we get involve gatemen [operatives advising drivers at the beginning of a road closure].
"This is where people will not wait at the designated spot, drive through the cones, push through the barriers, throw them in the hedge and maybe drive up the footway or on the grass.
"They then drive through sites which are putting our people's lives at risk - hitting them on occasion.
READ MORE: Cafe all in the family for five generations of females
"This is where one of our major areas of concern is."
Mr Fraser added during winter road closures were more likely due to flooding and water mains bursting.
He said their teams try to minimise disruption as much as possible and safety is their priority.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel