National Highways, the organization responsible for managing England’s motorways and major roads, has raised concerns about drivers deliberately ignoring roadwork closures to avoid traffic delays. This behavior, which has led to hundreds of incidents this year, is putting both road workers and other road users at risk. The agency reported 814 instances between January and July where vehicles entered closed-off roadwork areas, with 53% of these cases involving drivers trying to bypass queues, diversions, or temporary road closures. These actions have forced National Highways to close entire sections of highways to protect workers, often causing significant traffic delays for drivers. To illustrate the issue, National Highways shared video footage of drivers entering restricted zones, some of which resulted in legal consequences such as driving bans. One example was the M1 motorway in Hertfordshire, where repeated incursions led to a complete closure of the road, requiring drivers to take a 10-mile diversion. Although no fatalities were reported in the incidents shown, the agency emphasizes the serious risks involved. On average, about 30 such incidents are recorded weekly across England’s motorways and A-roads. Most of these incursions are classified as "seeking benefit," meaning drivers intentionally enter restricted areas in hopes of finding a shortcut. However, other incidents are caused by breakdowns or driver error. In these cases, most drivers quickly stop and seek help. Melanie Clarke, director of health, safety, and wellbeing at National Highways, noted that over 400 incidents involving drivers seeking shortcuts have occurred this year alone, and the number is on the rise. She emphasized the importance of road workers reporting such incidents to better understand the risks they face while carrying out their duties. Clarke warned that drivers attempting to bypass road closures often travel at high speeds and may not be aware of ongoing work, such as machinery, surface treatments, or other hazards within the roadwork area. She noted that at least one fatality has been linked to such incursions this year. She stressed that road closures are not implemented without active or imminent work taking place. Even if workers are not visible, the road surface may be compromised, making it unsafe for vehicles to pass. She added that taking such shortcuts rarely saves time and is never worth the risk. Sinead Ryan, a lead traffic management operative for HW Martin, a road construction contractor, said that many drivers underestimate the dangers faced by road workers. She explained that despite all safety measures, drivers' actions can quickly lead to accidents. "It only takes a second for someone to get hurt," she said, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the risks involved.