Police launch operation to tackle dangerous behaviour at roadworks sites
- Guernsey Police launch Operation Columbia to tackle dangerous behaviour at roadworks sites throughout April
- Recent incidents include road users ignoring closures, moving barriers and attempting to squeeze past workers and machinery
- Traffic Wardens and Roads Policing Unit will increase presence at active sites during peak travel times
- Road Closed signs mean closure to all traffic except property access and authorised vehicles, with cyclists allowed through if signage permits
- Utility companies report worrying incidents including vehicles attempting to drive through active excavations with live electricity cables
Guernsey Police have launched Operation Columbia to tackle dangerous behaviour by road users who ignore road closures around roadworks sites.
Throughout April, police will work with Traffic and Highways and utility companies to raise awareness and take enforcement action against persistent offenders.
The operation follows recent incidents where road users have ignored closures, moved barriers, bypassed diversions, or attempted to squeeze past workers and machinery, coming close to causing serious collisions.
When a Road Closed sign is in place, the road is closed to all traffic except for access to properties and authorised site vehicles.
If the Road Closed sign says 'except cycles', which is the case in most circumstances, those who are cycling can pass through road closures if done with care and observing dismount signs. Anyone allowed through must proceed slowly and with extreme caution, as workers and machinery may be in the road.
The Quarry
Traffic Wardens and the Roads Policing Unit will be increasing their presence at active sites throughout April, particularly during peak travel times such as morning and evening rush hour, to deter unsafe behaviour. Officers will issue tickets where necessary.
Andy Smith, Roads Policing Unit Sergeant, said: "We continue to see road users taking unnecessary risks by entering closed roads because they think they can 'just get through'.
"That isn't a justification and has in the past led to a number of close calls with contractors carrying out the road works.
"Cyclists can of course pass through road closures if the signage clearly states this, provided they dismount when the signs ask them to next to the areas of works."
"During Operation Columbia, officers will be visiting sites regularly, offering advice where appropriate and taking enforcement action where behaviour puts others at risk.
"If you genuinely need access to a property within a closure, please proceed slowly and follow any directions from site staff, they're there to keep everyone safe," he added.
Chris Dragun, Traffic Management Officer at Traffic and Highways, said: "While we fully understand that road closures can be frustrating and that it may be tempting to treat temporary signs like polite suggestions, they are not optional - they override all permanent signage and are there to keep workers safe. Because our essential infrastructure is buried under the road surface, these works can't be avoided."
"Despite repeated appeals, a small group of people continue to ignore the signs. As a result, the Police will now be running targeted operations to enforce the closures. Please help us keep our teams safe and get the road reopened quicker, your cooperation is genuinely appreciated," he added.
John Tostevin, Health & Safety Lead at Guernsey Electricity, said: "We all know how frustrating road closures can be, but the work being undertaken by our teams is essential.
"We are upgrading the electricity network and infrastructure to continue providing Guernsey with a secure supply of electricity.
"Our teams have experienced several worrying incidents recently, including vehicles attempting to drive through active excavations where trenches contain live electricity cables. We would ask islanders to please support Operation Columbia by respecting all closures and diversions – taking a shortcut through a closure could seriously endanger one of our team, or yourself."
Jon Holt, Operations Manager at Guernsey Water, said: "It's fair to say road closures aren't popular, especially when they're on main routes.
"But they're closed for good reason, usually to protect our teams while they're working in the highway. When people ignore closures, they potentially place our people in danger – and our people deserve to go home to their family safely every single day.
"We're asking for everyone to work with us on this – please follow the diversions, pay attention to the road closed signs and don't take a chance thinking you can get through. We don't put closures in place unnecessarily – it's so we can work on critical island infrastructure.
"The vast majority of drivers do pay attention, and we appreciate that. However, to the minority that don't, where necessary we have and will report this to the police. The safety of our people must come first."
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