First driver fined for ignoring the directions of a Highways Agency Traffic Officer
Drivers who think they can ignore traffic directions from the Highways Agency's uniformed Traffic Officers are being reminded that they could face a hefty fine.
Under the Traffic Management Act 2004, Highways Agency Traffic Officers have powers to direct and divert traffic; stop traffic and close roads, lanes and carriageways; place and operate traffic signs; manage traffic and traffic surveys.
Not complying with a Traffic Officers' directions or signs could lead to a fine of up to £1,000, driving licence endorsement and even disqualification.
Last month, in the first case of its kind in the country, a 45 year-old driver from Tonbridge in Kent was heavily fined for ignoring the instructions of a Highways Agency Traffic Officer.
The motorist pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to comply with the Directions of a Traffic Officer and driving on the hardshoulder. He received fines totalling £500, three points endorsement to his licence and £35 costs.
It happened while a Highways Agency crew were holding back traffic on the M25 so that Traffic Officer colleagues could go onto the carriageway to safely cone off a crash involving a lorry and a car.
Tony Burden, Network Operations Manager for the South East of England said:
"Traffic Officers do a difficult job in often dangerous circumstances. It is vital that motorists comply with their directions to ensure the safety of road users and the safety of highways staff, the emergency services and others when incidents happen on the roads. Traffic Officers work closely with the police and we are pleased to hear about this successful prosecution. The sentence sends a clear message to anyone else who is tempted to ignore instructions from a Traffic Officer."
Traffic Officers have no active role in law enforcement but will give evidence to the Police to prosecute drivers who cause danger by failing to comply with their directions.
Inspector Geoff Wood from Kent Police said:
"This driver not only put his own safety at risk but that of other motorists. This case sends a message that Kent Police will prosecute drivers who ignore instructions - the failure by any driver to comply with directions given by Highways Agency traffic officers or police officers is a serious matter. Kent Police works closely with the Highways Agency to reduce casualties on the roads and are committed to improving safety."
