Drivers ignoring roadwork closures to skip queues ‘wilfully putting lives at risk’
Summary
Drivers are ignoring roadwork closures on motorways and major roads in England, deliberately entering these areas to avoid traffic queues. National Highways warns this behavior is dangerous and has resulted in road closures to protect workers and at least one fatality this year.Key Facts
- National Highways manages motorways and major roads in England.
- Between January and July 2024, there were 814 reported incidents of vehicles entering closed roadworks.
- About 53% of these incidents involved drivers trying to skip queues or avoid diversions.
- On average, 30 incursions happen each week on England’s motorways and A-roads.
- Some drivers enter closed roadworks deliberately (“seeking benefit”), while others do so by mistake or due to breakdowns.
- National Highways has had to close entire motorway sections, like the M1 in Hertfordshire, to protect workers and reduce risks.
- One death has occurred this year linked to drivers entering closed roadwork zones.
- Roadworks closures always mean work is active or the road is unsafe, even if workers are not visible.
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