CUMBERLAND Council has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on 'reckless' behaviour after one of its staff members was 'struck by an HGV wagon'.

The council has issued a statement after one of its staff members was injured during improvement works at Sebergham Bridge near Carlisle.

The incident saw the staff member struck by an HGV wagon that reportedly 'ignored' road closure signs and drove into the council's worksite.

Now, Cumberland Council has urged the public to respect road closures and its staff that are carrying out road improvements.

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: "Cumberland Council is urging drivers to exercise caution and respect road closure signs following an incident during the improvement works at Sebergham Bridge.

"The council has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on reckless and abusive behaviour towards its staff after a council highways team member was struck by an HGV wagon, when a driver ignored clearly marked road closure signs and drove into the worksite.

"This reckless act is completely unacceptable and emphasises the critical need for drivers to follow road safety protocols during roadworks.

"Road closures are essential to protect everyone during road improvement works, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and council workers.

"These closures are not optional but necessary measures to prevent incidents like the one at Sebergham Bridge."

The council's statement following the incident also outlined the steps it has taken to ensure that a similar incident does not take place in the future. 

They said: "To ensure the safety of its staff, the council has implemented a comprehensive three-part strategy to deter abusive and reckless behaviour.

"Large boards featuring images of highway team members and their families remind drivers of the human cost of unsafe actions, select team members now wear bodycams to record breaches of road closures and abusive behaviour, and mobile CCTV and signage cameras are deployed to monitor roadwork areas, capturing any violations or threatening acts.

"The council emphasises that employees deserve a safe working environment, free from threats and intimidation, and warns that any form of abusive behaviour, whether physical or verbal, will result in appropriate legal action.

"The public are urged to respect all road closure measures and treat staff with respect.

"The Highway Code prohibits driving through roadworks marked by cones or signage.

"Motorists are reminded to obey temporary speed limits and to look for additional signs with specific instructions.

"Cumberland Council stands united in ensuring the safety of its staff and the public."