Safety strategy will improve safety of road workers

The Government’s 10 year road safety strategy will improve the safety of drivers and people working on the roads, says the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation.

Chief Executive Jeremy Sole said the federation fully endorsed the Government’s plans and would like to see them extended further to include stricter rules for cyclists.

“Federation members’ employees carrying out road works are frequently put at risk by drivers incapacitated in some way or not experienced or aware enough to understand the risks they are subjecting these workers to,” he said.

“The federation would also like to see the Minister direct some policy decisions toward inconsiderate cyclists.

“While cycling is certainly to be welcomed as a mode of transport, a considerable number put themselves and others at risk by riding inside the demarcated road works site boundaries.

“This behaviour and the speed differential when cyclists speed through restricted zones where traffic is moving slowly is a recipe for disaster.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media