Give cyclists space - Good effort, but no cigar

[Apollonius]

Does anyone know the law regarding closing roads? I had a small altercation with some workmen the other day having ignored a "Road Closed" sign. When I got to the works there was nothing going on and it was easy to pick my way through. Out of politeness, I said to the guys relaxing in their van, "OK if I go through?" The man opined that cyclists couldn't read as about a dozen had gone through already. "The alternative is a dangerous stretch of the A5," I pointed out. "Well, it's dangerous going through works," he said. I took my chance and continued. Are they not supposed to provide a way through for non-powered traffic? Anyone know?

 

[Slick]

No law to state that. I would say they would be annoyed with people encroaching on their works, but it would be them brought to book for not controlling access to the works properly.

 

[mjr]

Basically, they are legally required to leave a way through for walking and cycling, else to provide a diversion. Code of Practice on Safety at Street Works (recently updated) and the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. However, some highways authorities and especially utilities contractors still aren't following the new version and it's a nuisance to get them to update. Anyone got a spare lawyer?

 

[mjr]

Oh and the flip side is it's up to £1000 fine for ignoring a proper road closure (one that has a traffic order, not just some contractor trying it on).

 

[Slick]

Where practicable is a common phrase inserted in many risk assessments.

 

[NorthernDave]

Presumably the car now swerves to the left to avoid hitting the sign...

No, the car drives into the sign as it's not wearing hi-viz, it doesn't pay any road tax and thinks it own the bl**dy road...

 

[classic33]

Anyone notice the car in the cycling lane up ahead?

Means the telephone box/booth(behind it) is in the road then.

 

[John the Monkey]

The sign should be riding two abreast, as any fule kno