National Highways makes plea for caution after workers put at risk

National Highways has raised the alarm after workers carrying out essential night maintenance work on the M6 were put at risk by people driving into the work site.

The national operator sent out a plea for drivers to pay extra attention when travelling through roadworks after 'a number of instances’ where vehicles have been driven into coned-off areas.

In one case a driver even stopped on the motorway to ask the maintenance workers for directions after finding an exit unusable.

The maintenance is being done on the connecting bridge between the M6 junction 4a and the M42, which has meant that drivers have been unable to use the J4a slip road overnight.

National Highways project manager James Harman said: ‘Whilst most drivers respect the efforts of road workers who are out there day and night to enhance, maintain and keep our roads safe and running, there are a minority that put these key workers at risk – often unintentionally.

‘The safety of our own workforce and our supply chain workers is an absolute priority. We don’t want anyone putting that safety at risk either intentionally or carelessly and would urge all drivers to pay extra attention when travelling through these essential roadworks.’

Adrian Pike, speaking on behalf of the principal contractor Concrete Repairs Limited (CRL), added: ‘Despite the signage, extensive prior communication and information provided, we have seen several instances where members of the public have entered the closed working area at high speed with complete disregard for the safety of the workforce.

‘Incursions could have major consequences, and we would urge all road users to follow the signage and drive safely past the closed lanes to prevent any incidents.’