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Despite the presence of clear road closure signs, police received reports that numerous motorists were ignoring restrictions and driving through a closed section of road, near a South Derbyshire village, this morning, (Tuesday 20 January).
Police were made aware that vehicles were forcing their way past barriers on Repton Road, near Newton Solney, causing significant damage to precious, rural grass verges, churning them into deep mud.
The barriers had been put in place to protect road workers, as they carry out emergency repairs in what should be a safe, traffic-free environment.
In one incident this morning, a driver attempted to bypass the road closure and became hopelessly stuck in a sludgy mud mound. A recovery company had to be called to pull the stricken car free – a mistake that ended up costing the motorist hundreds of pounds. All of this was entirely avoidable by simply not ignoring the highly visible road closure signs.
Additionally, several drivers had to be advised that their actions, in hurtling through a road closure, may invalidate their motor insurance cover.
Police met with Councillor Matt Benfield, (pictured), from Derbyshire County Council this afternoon to arrange for additional road safety measures to be installed. Cadent were contacted and asked to attend the location to complete all necessary steps to resolve the situation.
Your local officer also reported several potholes to the Highways Department, especially those on a nearby alternative diversion route, close to the road closure location.
Please respect road closures, follow diversions, and think twice before risking your safety, your vehicle and other road users.
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