The Highways Agency and Cumbria Police have joined forces to highlight dangers of speeding through road works.
Drivers heading along the M6 north of Carlisle in Cumbria are being asked to drive carefully and slow down – after figures show that more than 1,000 drivers passing through an £850,000 improvement scheme exceeded the 50mph temporary speed limit during the first weekend alone.
Safety cameras have been installed to ensure drivers comply with the 50mph temporary speed limit between junctions 43 and 44 of the M6, where the Highways Agency scheme, which includes repairs to three bridges, is currently underway.
Highways Agency project sponsor Phil Davies said, “There’s a 50 mph speed limit, cones, barriers and signs in place on this stretch of the M6 for a very good reason – to ensure the ongoing safety of drivers and road workers while the work is underway.
“We are concerned about the number of drivers who appear to be ignoring the speed limit, putting themselves and our workforce in danger. Driving through half a mile of roadworks at 70mph takes just ten seconds less than driving at 50mph – a ten-second saving which can put lives at risk.
“Safety is our number one priority and we take every precaution to make sure road users remain safe, but drivers also have a major role to play. We would urge all drivers on this section of the M6 to comply with the 50mph speed limit. This is particularly important in cold weather when driving conditions are more difficult.”
Chief Inspector Kevin Greenhow of Cumbria police said: “The safety of road workers and road users is paramount and drivers on this section of the M6 should be concentrating on the additional potential hazards they may experience. A lower speed limit is a proven method of mitigating risk and drivers must understand the consequences of abusing the 50mph restriction as this type of offence will not be tolerated.”
Preparatory work to renew waterproofing, joints and parapets on Ambrose Holme, Johnny Bulldogs Lonning and Rosehill flood relief bridges started early last month. But the roadworks proper began on Friday January 29th with the safety cameras also going “live”.
The roadworks include phases of contraflow running with width restrictions as well as lane closures. Two lanes in each direction will be kept running most of the time but with occasional single lane running overnight. Junction 43 sliproads will be subject to occasional overnight closures but with signed diversions in place.
