Full Breakdown
Drivers Ignoring Roadwork Closures Pose Growing Risk to Workers and the Public
By Drooid · · How we work
Rising Incursions on England’s Motorways
National Highways, the agency that manages motorways and major roads, reports a sharp increase in incidents where drivers deliberately drive through cones or barriers to avoid queues, closures, or diversions. The agency says that around 30 such incursions are recorded each week across England’s motorways and A-roads.
Majority of Incursions Are Deliberate “Benefit-Seeking”
National Highways data show that 53 % of the 814 reported incursions between January and July were drivers attempting to shortcut roadworks. The agency notes that more than 400 of these incidents this year were classified as “seeking benefit,” indicating a rise in intentional violations. While some incursions result from breakdowns or driver error, those that are intentional typically involve higher speeds and a lack of awareness of nearby plant, machinery, or compromised road surfaces.
Official Response from National Highways
Melanie Clarke, director of health, safety and wellbeing at National Highways, says the agency is increasingly concerned about the risk to workers and other road users. She explains that the rise in deliberate incursions has led to the closure of entire motorway sections—such as a full closure of the M1 in Hertfordshire that forced a 10-mile diversion—to protect workers. The agency has released video evidence of the violations, resulting in successful prosecutions and driving bans. Clarke stresses that even when no workers are visibly present, activities may be ongoing or the road surface may be unsafe, making any unauthorized entry hazardous.
Contractor Perspective on On-Site Danger
Sinead Ryan, lead traffic management operative for HW Martin, a road-work contractor, adds that workers operate close to live traffic and cannot control drivers’ actions. She notes that a single driver ignoring a closure can cause injury within seconds, underscoring the peril faced by road crews.
Implications for Road Users
The increase in incursions has forced National Highways to implement broader closures rather than lane-only restrictions, leading to significant delays and longer diversions for motorists. While no casualties have been recorded in the footage shown, the agency warns that drivers who attempt shortcuts not only endanger workers but also put themselves at risk, and that such behavior does not actually shorten travel time.