Council road workforce lives being put at risk

Lives of road workers in the area are being put ast risk by motorists driving through temporary traffic lights on red, it is claimed.

Motorists in Newtown are among those being warned not to pass through red lights by Powys County Council which claims the lives of its workforce are being put at risk.

"Not only is this driving behaviour illegal, it is also putting the hardworking highways teams at risk of serious injury," said a statement.

To encourage drivers to obey temporary traffic notices, Powys County Council is this week highlighting the risks that the highways teams must deal with on a daily basis, with staff sharing their experiences of dangerous situations caused by inconsiderate driving.

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said: “I was stunned to hear of the situations that our highways teams are placed in whilst simply doing their jobs and ensuring that the thousands of miles of roads in Powys are maintained, repaired and improved.

“The number of ‘near misses’ that our teams encounter due to the negligence of some drivers is unacceptable. Our highways teams need your help to stay safe, so please drive carefully so they can get home to their families.

“We want to actively encourage all drivers to consider the safety of our highways teams when out on the roads doing their job. We understand that road works can be frustrating, but that is no excuse to disobey traffic notices, jump red lights or be rude to the workers.

“The safety of our staff is paramount, and dangerous driving through roadworks must stop."

The campaign is being carried on the council's social media channels.