‘Road closed (except for cycles)’ – we see the signs all over the island and, having basic literacy skills, we know exactly what they mean – well, most of us do.
But, it seems a small proportion of drivers think the rules of the road don’t apply to them.
So, they drive down the road anyway – mounting pavements and even driving over the signs themselves – so they can shave a few seconds off their journey.
Well if that’s you, it’s time to stop or face the consequences, according to Guernsey Police.
Guernsey Police have launched the intimidating-sounding ‘Operation Columbia’ to crack down on dangerous drivers, with officers visiting sites to “offer advice and where appropriate and take enforcement action”.
A spokesperson said the operation “follows recent incidents where road users have ignored closures, moved barriers, bypassed diversions, or attempted to squeeze past workers and machinery, coming close to causing serious collisions”.
‘Close calls’
Andy Smith, Roads Policing Unit Sergeant, said: “We continue to see road users taking unnecessary risks by entering closed roads because they think they can ‘just get through’.
“That isn’t a justification and has in the past led to a number of close calls with contractors carrying out the road works.”
Cyclists can still go through if the sign says so, “provided they dismount next to the works,” he added.
John Tostevin, Health and Safety Lead at Guernsey Electricity, said road closures can be “frustrating”, but “taking a shortcut through a closure could seriously endanger one of our team, or yourself.”
