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’re travelling more slowly than you really are – it’s important to keep to 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 set up or taken down.

Travelling through roadworks

Obey all speed limits – they’re there for a reason. Roadworks are complicated areas and you’ll need more time to spot hazards, for your own safety and the safety of road workers.
If all drivers observe the speed limits, it helps to keep traffic moving and not ‘bunching up’ – this is good for journey times and the environment.
Keep the correct separation distance from the vehicle ahead; you’ll 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 attention wander; there may be road workers in unexpected places, and they can be difficult to spot in cluttered areas.

Exiting roadworks

Stay within the speed limit even when you’re leaving the coned area. There may be road workers’ vehicles leaving the roadworks 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 roadworks.

REMEMBER, people may be working at roadworks sites and their safety is at risk if you don’t follow the advice above.

Mobile roadworks

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 when these vehicles are being used.

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 road studs often replace normal ones.

Contraflow 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.

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