There has been a sharp rise in road-worker deaths this year, according to the Highways Agency.
Four workers have died in the first half of 2005, compared with just one death in the whole of 2004. The agency said people breaking the speed limit represented the biggest danger.
Highways Agency traffic operations director, Derek Turner, described workers on motorways and A-roads a “vulnerable group”.
“Everyone is entitled to a safe workplace, yet road workers risk death and injury at work every day [and night] making sure our roads remain safe and in good condition,” he said.
He appealed to drivers to slow down when approaching roadworks and obey the signs and speed limits.
The Highways Agency said that while staff are trained to work on the roads, motorists need to train themselves to take more care through roadworks.
