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A1 ROADWORKS ENFORCEMENT!!! (11/10/2006)
Temporary speed limits of 50 mph have been set up along sections of the A1 at Seaton Burn to curb speeds while roadworks are carried out on the Seven Mile Bridge. Mobile cameras will enforce these limits in order to protect the road workers making necessary improvements along the A1.
In addition to traffic management, enforcement is necessary as drivers frequently disregard reduced speed limits at roadworks site, leaving workers vulnerable to vehicles travelling at dangerous speeds.
There will be two clearly posted camera enforcement signs in each direction along the stretch of road where enforcement is taking place, in addition to 50 mph repeater signs. With all the warnings, there is no excuse for drivers to endanger the lives of workers doing their job by exceeding the speed limit.
These limits are being imposed to ensure everyone’s safety while the work is carried out- not catch drivers out. It is a maximum speed limit, which is applicable to all road users 24 hours a day. It is not an optional limit to be adhered to only if the driver can see workmen or enforcement vehicles. The small section where the temporary limits apply are not going to dramatically change the time people are arriving at their destination, but it could cost someone serious harm.
Recent enforcement at roadworks along the A19 has resulted in drastic reduction in drivers breaking the speed limits and endangering road workers. On average there was a drop from 53 per hour to just 17 per hour of drivers caught speeding where enforcement was carried out, which has improved safety conditions for workers. Northumbria Safety Camera Partnership spokesman Jeremy Forsberg said, “We are happy drivers have taken notice of the speeds. Workers have a right to work in safe conditions and we are happy to ensure they do. They are out ensuring our safety, it’s important we ensure theirs. These drops show that enforcement can change driver behaviour and after a certain point, reduce the amount of people caught speeding, which is good news for drivers.”
Highways Agency supervisor said, “The mobile cameras give a better feeling of safety on the site. You don’t feel that you have to look over your shoulder all the time to see how fast vehicles are travelling and if they will hit you.”
Between 2002 and 2004, eight road workers were killed and 56 injured doing their work on Highways Agency roads. Road workers, trying to improve the conditions of our roads, have the right to work in safe environment and not in constant fear of being killed or injured.
The Highways Agency advises drivers approaching roadworks to: · Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety. · Get into the correct lane in good time - don’t keep switching. · Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks. · Be alert for works traffic leaving or entering roadworks. · Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front. · Observe all signs - they are there to help you.
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