National Highways has issued a warning that drivers who ignore roadwork closures to bypass queues are endangering lives. The agency, responsible for motorways and major roads, has recorded hundreds of incidents this year where vehicles were deliberately driven through cones or barriers.
Between January and July this year, 814 incursions were reported across England. National Highways data indicates that 53% of these incidents involved drivers attempting to avoid queues, closures, or diversions.
Melanie Clarke, Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at National Highways, stated that there have been over 400 incidents of drivers "seeking benefits" this year, indicating a rise. She also confirmed that at least one fatality has occurred this year due to such incursions.
Repeated dangerous driving around roadworks has led to complete motorway closures in some instances to protect workers, rather than just closing lanes. This has caused significant delays for road users, including a 10-mile diversion on the M1 in Hertfordshire earlier this year.