Interesting Fact

SIGNS OUT AND NO ROADWORKS GOING ON?

Signs out and no roadworks going on? Did you know that this sometimes happens because the road surface may not be up to scratch and could be dangerous for motorists?

A survey last year found that it was motorists who died at roadworks sites - not roadworkers. Also, most fatalities occurred at unmanned sites showing that motorists did not appreciate the risk associated with sites where no one was working.

Recent decisions from the Courts and Coroner now mean that road signs are left out a lot longer than previous because contractors are obliged to inform motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists of any problems with the road.

Every roadworks site has a Traffic Management Plan prepared by the contractor and approved by the road controlling authority, such as Transit New Zealand or local councils. These plans set out the requirements for signs, speed restrictions and cones. Contractors work to these plans which are based on Transit New Zealand’s Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management.