CCTV, protective screens and stronger fencing are to be tested at roadworks in West Sussex following abuse and threats directed at highways workers.
CCTV, protective screens and stronger fencing are to be tested at roadworks in West Sussex following abuse and threats directed at highways workers.
West Sussex County Council is investing more than £420,000 in three projects intended to protect staff, reduce delays caused by roadworks and encourage more walking and cycling.
The money has been raised through the council’s lane-rental scheme, which charges companies for carrying out work that disrupts traffic on some of the county’s busiest roads.
Surplus money collected through the scheme must be reinvested in projects intended to improve the road network or reduce disruption.
Workers facing abuse and threats
The council says highways workers and contractors regularly face verbal abuse, threats and other unacceptable behaviour while carrying out essential work.
A new safety trial will examine whether measures including site-wide CCTV, clearer warning signs, protective screens and different types of fencing can help keep staff safer.
The screens and barriers would create greater separation between workers and members of the public.
The results will be used to help shape future safety policies, working practices and the design of roadwork sites.
Councillor Erika Woodhurst-Trueman, the county council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said abuse and aggression could have a serious effect on workers’ wellbeing.
She said the council was committed to exploring new ways of keeping staff safe.
Less digging to find gas leaks
Some of the money will also be given to Southern Gas Networks to test a less disruptive way of investigating underground pipes and finding gas leaks.
The technology uses small, targeted drill holes and collects dust while the work is being completed.
The council says it could allow engineers to identify problems more accurately while reducing the amount of road that must be dug up and repaired afterwards.
It is hoped this will make work sites cleaner and safer, while allowing roads to reopen more quickly.
Former railway route to be extended
Funding has also been awarded to the South Downs National Park Authority for the extension of Centurion Way.
The shared route follows part of the former railway line between Chichester and Midhurst and can be used by walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and families with pushchairs.
It currently runs between Chichester and West Dean, but plans would extend it towards the South Downs Way at Cocking.
The completed route is expected to cover 16.9 kilometres and will connect with Salterns Way and routes towards the Witterings.
The county council says the three projects will make journeys safer, encourage sustainable travel and reduce the amount of disruption caused by essential roadworks.
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