Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with Highways England on the potential impact of abuse of roadworkers on levels of retention of roadworkers.

The Department is concerned about the increasing reports of abuse and intimidation faced by roadworkers and recognises the potential impact this has on both recruitment and retention in the sector.

National Highways also takes this issue seriously and works closely with its delivery partners to ensure all incidents of abuse on the Strategic Road Network are reported. It also supports the Stamp it Out campaign, which aims to eliminate abuse across transport networks, and contributed to the development of Stamp it Out’s recent guidance on road network crimes and the types of evidence required to prosecute them.

The Department will continue to support work to address this unacceptable behaviour and ensure roadworkers feel safe and supported in their roles.