A campaign was launched in Gormley Drive, Kingston last week to highlight the impact of verbal abuse by motorists driving through roadworks.
The campaign is a partnership between the Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania (CCF), the Traffic Management Association of Australia and Road Safety Advisory Council, with support from the State Government.
“When we talk to our members, their number one concern is the safety of their workers and impatient drivers speeding needlessly through roadworks not only risks their lives, but also those who are simply working to make the roads better for all to use,” CCF CEO Andrew Winch said.
“To be blunt, speed limit signs at roadworks aren’t there to irritate people, they are there to make our roads safer, and abusing roadside workers won’t fix a thing.
“As the warmer months approach there will be more and more people working on our roads.
“Our aim is to make sure that everyone who goes to work on our roads comes home alive and safe.”
Minister for Transport Eric Abetz said there were still too many incidents of people speeding through roadworks.
“While slowing down for roadworks can be frustrating, it is vitally important to stay within the speed limits to ensure workers and road users remain safe,” Minister Abetz said.
“I ask every Tasmanian to consider how they would feel if their safety was put at risk where they work and if they had to put up with abuse for simply doing their job.”
As part of the campaign there will be advertisements aimed at raising awareness of the importance of keeping to speed limits through roadworks and treating workers with respect.
