Incidents can happen often happen at roadwork's when drivers fail to observe simple rules of safety. Obey all signs, including speed limit signs.

When approaching roadwork's

• Reduce speed in good time when warned by advance warning signs, gantry signs or flashing signals - don't leave everything to the last minute as this can greatly increase the chance of mistakes and incidents
• Get into the lane indicated for use by your vehicle in good time
• Where lanes are restricted, merge in turn
When you drop your speed it may seem as if you are travelling more slowly than you really are - it is important to observe the speed limit and not just slow down to the speed that feels safe to you
• Look out for road workers who are placing or removing signs. They might need to cross the carriageway, especially when temporary barriers and cones are being erected or dismantled.

Travelling through roadwork's

• Obey all speed limits, they have been imposed for a reason. Roadwroks are complicated areas and you will need more time to spot hazards, for your own safety and the safety of road workers
• If all divers observe the limits, it helps to keep traffic moving and not 'bunching up' - this is good for journey time and the environment
• Keep the correct separation distance from the vehicle ahead; you will need time to brake if the vehicle in front stops suddenly
• Avoid sharp braking and sudden steering movements
• Don't change lanes when signs tell you to stay in your lane
• Don't let your concentration wander; road workers can appear in unexpected
places and can be difficult to spot in cluttered areas.

Exiting roadwork's
Stay within the speed limits even when you are leaving the coned areas. There may be road worker vehicles leaving the roadwork's at this point. Even if you see the road worker, remember that they may not have seen you. Don't speed up until you're clear of the roadwork's.

Remember, people may be working at these sites and their safety is at risk if you do not follow the advice above. Contraflow systems
These are temporary systems where traffic travelling in opposite directions shares the same carriageway. They allow traffic to keep moving during repairs or alterations on the other carriageway.

The lanes are often narrower than normal lanes. Red and white marker posts separate traffic travelling in opposite directions and fluorescent or reflective bright green/yellow studs often replace normal ones.

Contra flow systems may also be found on other roads carrying fast-moving traffic.

Watch out for

• Lane change signs
• Vehicles broken down ahead - there's often no hard shoulder
• Vehicles braking ahead - keep your distance.

Mobile roadwork's
Minor maintenance work may sometimes be carried out without the need for major lane closures. Slow - moving or stationary works vehicles, with a large arrow on the back of the vehicle, are used to divert traffic to the right or left as appropriate.

There are no cones or other delineators when these vehicles are being used.