Partnership raises awareness of risks for police drivers and roadworkers that arise from ‘blue light incursions’
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is collaborating with the Police Federation of England & Wales (PFEW), the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Highways, to raise awareness of the dangers of ‘blue light incursions’ for road workers and the emergency services on motorways and major A roads.
Blue light incursions occur when emergency vehicles enter restricted roadworks areas whilst attending emergencies. This can create risks for police officers and roadworkers who may be working in the area of an incursion.
Costain has worked with the NPCC, the PFEW and National Highways, to produce an awareness video for police drivers. The video raises awareness of the risks police drivers face when entering restricted roadworks areas, and how they can minimise associated risks whilst maintaining the effectiveness of their response. It also highlights the risks to roadworkers within the traffic management area.
Costain has applied its decades of experience in delivering road infrastructure and maintenance projects to the initiative, which also supports National Highways’ efforts to minimise the risk of incursions on the Strategic Road Network, which covers motorways and major A roads in England. Costain is working to develop versions of the video for the fire and ambulance services, as well as for frontline road workers.
Andy Denman, Road Sector Director at Costain, said: “Improving health and safety underpins our best-in-class delivery of complex road schemes and maintenance projects, and we continuously work to eliminate harm and provide the safest possible working environment for our people.
“Through our trusted, forward-thinking partnership with National Highways and other stakeholders, we have been able to significantly increase the awareness of the risks that can arise from incursions by police drivers. This will help to maximise their safe and effective response to emergencies and support a safer, more resilient road network.”
Melanie Clarke OBE, Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at National Highways, said: “At National Highways, we care deeply about improving safety for our customers, our people and those in our supply chain. We are passionate about the importance of mental as well as physical health in achieving our vison of getting everyone home safe and well.
“This initiative has a clear ambition to raise awareness of the risks associated with blue light incursions into roadworks from the perspective of the emergency services or roadworkers, and demonstrates a strong alignment to our vision of connecting the country safely and reliably.”
Jo Shiner KPM, Chief Constable and Lead for Roads Policing, National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “This initiative led by Costain is an outstanding demonstration of collaboration between the public and private sectors and aligns with the Department for Transport’s road safety strategy that sets out a clear path to improve road safety in the UK.
“The video raises awareness of the dangers of ‘blue light’ driving within restricted roadworks areas, and most importantly, its purpose is to help keep emergency responders, roadworkers and members of the public safe.”
Tim Rogers, National Pursuits and Driver Training Lead, the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Officers routinely make rapid decisions in complex environments. This video supports that by setting out, in plain terms, why roadworks change the risk picture and how we can respond safely and consistently.”
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