The Highways Agency and Nottinghamshire Police are warning drivers not to dice with death by running red lights at plant crossings for the A46 Newark to Widmerpool improvement.

Six traffic light controlled crossings have been set up on local roads along the17-mile route to allow construction traffic safe and efficient access from one part of the site to another where the line of the new A46 is bisected by the public highway.
But in the last two weeks there have been a growing number of incidents where road users have ignored the crossings and driven through the red lights.

Colin Chadwick, Highways Agency senior construction manager, said: “In the last fortnight there have been more than 30 instances of vehicles running red lights. It is quite unbelievable that people are willing to put themselves and others at risk of serious or fatal injury. Those delivering construction materials are driving dump trucks weighing 40 tonnes when empty and 80 tonnes when carrying a full load.
“The safety of the public and our workforce is paramount. The last thing we want is a tragedy because drivers cannot wait the few seconds it takes for the lorries to pass and the lights to change back to green.”

PC Kev Walker, beat manager for the area, has already written to local residents to warn them of the potential dangers and penalties.
He said: “While the practice of jumping the red light is itself extremely dangerous, it is also punishable by a £60 fine and a three-point licence endorsement. “Motorists should also be aware that from Tuesday, September 1 the speed limit entering the villages of Syerston and Elston, prior to the 30mph limit, will be reduced from 60mph to 40mph.”

The plant crossings are at the following locations:

• Nottingham Road, Stragglethorpe;
• Henson Lane, Upper Saxondale;
• Greengate, Syerston;
• Lodge Lane, Elston;
• Elston Lane, Elston; and
• Hawton Lane, Farndon.