Costain has partnered 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.
Occurring when emergency vehicles enter restricted roadworks areas to attend emergencies, blue light incursions can create risks for both the emergency responders and roadworkers who may be 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 highlighting the risks police drivers can face when entering restricted roadworks sites, how to minimise risk whilst remaining effective during their response, and the risks posed to road maintenance staff.
Additional awareness videos are being developed by Costain for both the fire and ambulance services, as well as for frontline road workers.
Andy Denman, road sector director at Costain, said: ‘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, added: ‘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 at the NPCC, said: ‘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.'
