Dangers of working on motorways have sadly been brought into clear focus after two operatives were killed while performing their duties within the space of a week.

Highways Agency Traffic Officer John Walmsley was struck by a vehicle while attending an incident on the M25 near Sevenoaks and a road worker died in a construction incident as he repaired a section of safety barrier in the central reserve of the A2 in Kent. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

“These tragedies underline the fact that busy roads are hazardous places to be and the importance of driving safely through roadworks,” a Highways Agency spokesman said. “It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Speaking at a Highways Term Maintenance Association conference last week when news of the latest death was announced, Department for Transport’s domestic group director general Stephen Gooding said: “Two deaths in seven days makes this a sombre day for the industry.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the people who died and I know that there is an absolute commitment to drive up the safety performance of this business.”

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