Luton Borough Council

18/08/2022 - Abuse of highways staff completely unacceptable

Motorists in Luton are being asked to be respectful to staff doing their jobs after a reported rise in abuse of the town’s highways workers.

Earlier this year we announced were investing £5.3 million into repairing the town’s road network, after a recent survey showed that residents consider the condition of Luton’s road as the highest priority when asked for feedback about highways and transportation.

The work is underway across Luton and often requires roads or lanes being temporarily closed to enable resurfacing works to be undertaken. Unfortunately, staff from our highways contractor have been reporting an increase in abuse from motorists while these works are being carried out.

It has also been reported that some motorists have been ignoring signs, removing barriers and driving through roadworks putting themselves, other motorists and staff at risk.

Cllr Fatima Begum, portfolio holder for highways, said: “While we all appreciate it can be frustrating for motorists when there are short delays due to diversions or temporary traffic signals, it is absolutely unacceptable that our crews are receiving physical threats, verbal abuse and even being driven at.

“These workers carry out vital work for all our communities – day in and day out, whatever the weather – and they should not under any circumstances have to face abuse and threats of violence, especially when they are not the ones responsible for road closures.

“The improvement programme has been designed to minimise disruption, with the bulk of the works carried out during the summer months, however we do appreciate the closures may have some impact for the travelling public”.

“It’s always helpful for motorists to check their routes online before travelling, especially as there are several planned roadworks scheduled for the coming weeks.”

Follow this link for details of which roads are being treated, and when.

Information on all roadworks in Luton.