Our main priority during roadworks is always to ensure the safety of all road users and all contractors working onsite.
That’s why Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is saddened to hear that a traffic controller was verbally abused and had their life threatened on Friday.
The temporary traffic controller was working on a SH2 site at Ormond north of Gisborne.
“This behaviour is completely unacceptable and uncalled for; abuse of our crews is not acceptable and serious incidents will be reported to the police,” says Gisborne’s regional manager of maintenance and operations Jaclyn Hankin.
“We realise delays due to roadworks may be frustrating—but the speed restrictions and detours are in place to keep road users and our contractors safe. It also ensures we can get work done as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Today’s incident follows similar incidents further north last week as roading contractors worked to get flood-affected roads reopened.
“Temporary traffic management is in place for a reason, and contractors also understand the importance of getting roads reopened as quickly as possible, and temporary speed restrictions lifted.”
