New footage showing a road worker being hit by metal on the M6 has been posted by Highways England as it reminds drivers to make sure loads are safely secured.
The footage captures the moment when the road worker on the M6 was struck by metal after it came off a passing HGV and hit his leg. He was working on the central reservation as part of the upgrade of the motorway between junctions 13 and 15 in Staffordshire when hurt. Fortunately he did not suffer any serious injuries or broken bones.
The recording reveals the dangers that shed loads bring to road workers and Highways England traffic officers; more than 46,000 items were found on England’s motorways and major A roads over just 10 months. Items found range from a washing machine, sofa and king size mattress to a double-glazed door, garden sheds and a ship’s mast.
Drawing on first-hand experiences, Highways England’s On road team manager Mark Snell, who is based in Hampshire, said: “We have had fence panels, a shed, tools, tool boxes, motorcycle bags and top boxes – the whole contents on one family’s top box was spread all over three lanes as they were on their way to a holiday in the West Country.
“On one occasion there was a double-glazed door and windows on the slip road at junction 6 of the M3 with cars swerving around them.”
As well as putting people at risk, shed-loads can close a road for several hours, and the RAC, Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association are supporting Highways England’s calls for drivers to check their vehicles, trailers and loads before setting off on journeys.
Chris Yarsley, policy manager from the Freight Transport Association, said: “Paying close attention to load security must be a primary concern for all drivers using our roads and we would advise the public to check their vehicles closely before departure, in the same way that logistics operators conduct a daily walk round check before starting work to ensure everything is safe and secure. Transporting a secure load not only keeps others on the road safe but also ensures that vehicles and loads arrive on time, without incident, which is the primary aim of all our members and their customers.”
Highways England is also urging operators and drivers to revisit the DVSA’s advice on securing loads.
