Last Friday OnTheWight reported that some Island Roads operatives were now wearing body worn CCTV cameras. It was thought the reason was due to drivers ignoring the Stop/Go instructions at road works, as well as capturing those who had shouted abuse at the staff.
We’ve since had a response from Island Roads, giving the official word for the introduction of the CCTV cameras.
The target of verbal and physical abuse
It’s shocking to hear that some motorists have made Island Roads staff the target of verbal and physical abuse. Many will agree that it’s completely unacceptable for someone going about their daily work to be the target of abuse.
A spokesperson from Island Roads said,
“While the vast majority of motorists treat our staff with respect and drive in an appropriate manner, there have been numerous incidents since the Highways PFI began where our traffic management staff have been the target of verbal and physical abuse.
“In other instances motorists have ignored traffic management put in place on site putting the safety of our operatives and other road users in jeopardy.”
Cameras in use since April
They go on to explain the CCTV cameras have been in use since April, but only by eight operatives who control the flow of traffic during roadworks.
The spokesperson went on to say,
“In response to this, we have since April this year supplied eight traffic management operatives – those on site assisting traffic – with body cameras so examples of unacceptable behaviour and/or dangerous driving can be recorded.
“It is important to remember that Island Roads employs around 200 staff who live on the Island and as a company we believe we should do all we can to enable them to go about their work without having to encounter verbal or physical abuse or have their safety threatened.
“It is also worth stressing that the work they are undertaking will benefit road users by greatly improving the standard of the Island’s highway network.”
Footage kept for 31 days
Island Roads finish by confirming how long they keep the footage,
“This type of camera is widely used elsewhere in the country. The footage stays on the camera for a maximum on 31 days after which all material other than that which could be used to assist us and the relevant authorities in taking further action, is deleted.
“We would stress that this step has been necessary due to the action of a small minority and we greatly appreciate the co-operation of the great majority of road users.”
Image: yghelloworld under CC BY 2.0
