North Wales Police appeal to motorists not to ignore road closure signage
North Wales Police have issued a strong appeal to motorists to comply with road closure signage following numerous serious and fatal collisions in recent weeks.
Despite the stark reminder of the potential consequences, a number of drivers have continued to ignore these crucial warning signs.
The latest incident took place in Bala, following a serious road traffic collision.
Police officers were confronted by a driver who had chosen to dismiss the ‘road closed’ sign.
When informed of the situation, the driver argued with the officer and even proposed driving on the grass.
In another alarming incident, a motorist towing a caravan insisted on proceeding past the road closure signs, claiming he couldn’t turn the caravan around.
“Is the road closed?”
“I need to go that way”
“I only want to go down there”
“Can’t I just go through carefully?”
“Where am I meant to go now then?”
These are just some of the comments given to Police Officers on a regular basis when road users are confronted with road closure signage.
The officers on the scene had to assist him in unhitching and turning his caravan, highlighting the unnecessary challenges posed by non-compliance.
Sergeant Jason Diamond of the North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit reiterated the importance of adhering to road closures, stating, “At serious and fatal road traffic collisions, road closures, diversions and signage are put in place for a reason, they’re not there for decoration.”
He emphasised that ignoring road closure signs isn’t just inconvenient, it could lead to prosecution for driving offences.
“The signs are placed on the road lawfully as per the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984,” Diamond explained.
“They are usually placed in the lane that is headed toward the scene of a collision and not necessarily across the whole of the road.”
Diamond stressed that these protocols are not only for immediate medical emergencies, but also to facilitate detailed investigative processes and subsequent cleanup to ensure the road is safe for continued use.
Dealing with road users who have failed to comply with traffic signs distracts from these main priorities and delays the reopening of the road.
He also underscored the importance of due consideration and safe driving, stating, “Unfortunately, we are seeing far too many serious collisions on our road network and the best way for us to avoid the need to close the roads is for the motoring public to share the roads sensibly.”
While acknowledging the inconvenience caused, Sergeant Diamond extended his gratitude to the vast majority of road users who do adhere to the signs, thanking them for their cooperation and patience.
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