Safer Roads Humber A1079 Roundabout

Safer Roads Humber has been working closely with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the contractors installing a new roundabout on the Beverley section of the A1079 to ensure safety during the road works.

The roundabout forms part of a new access route for Swift Caravans which have funded all the works. Once this new access is operational it will relieve Cottingham of all traffic associated with Swift Caravans.

The partnership has today released information on the enforcement activities that took place during the works. Operational information about currently active sites is exempted under the Freedom of Information Act, however, the casualty, collision and speeding history of all safety camera sites can be found under the “further information” section of the partnerships website www.saferroadshumber.com

Mick Harris, partnership manager said “We are disappointed that we have detected 3,417 motorists exceeding the 30mph speed limit during the 25 days we enforced the reduced speed limit at this site. On average more than 130 motorists a day are putting themselves and others in danger as they travel through the road works. This is despite the extensive coverage we have had in the local papers pleading for motorists to slow down.”

Due to the nature of the works, the speed restrictions were put in place to protect both the workforce and all road users. While works may not necessarily have taking place at night, minor obstructions, temporary surfacing, reduced lane widths and other temporary changes still existed which could have presented problems to the  public travelling at high speed. The night time risk was further increased by the fact that that the road was obviously in darkness and it was therefore essential that the speed restriction and enforcement were continuous.

The information released on the Safer Roads Humber website shows that the highest speed detected during the works was 65mph, which will result in the driver being referred to court, whilst the average speed was 40mph.

Mick Harris continued ”Drivers had ample time to reduce their speed as the first warning signs were placed 470 metres ahead of the safety cameras. There were actually five sets of signs in advance of the cameras warning drivers of the reduced speed limit and the road works.

“If motorists fail to see or take notice of the signs what else are they failing to observe whilst driving? Next time it could be another vehicle, bike or pedestrian. I would urge all motorists to drive safely and appropriately within the speed limit at all times, as they are set to protect not only themselves but others too.”

Construction at this set of road works was finished by Thursday, 21 October. Following this the road returned to the national speed limit (60mph in single carriageway sections for cars and motorcycles, less for other types of vehicles).