Road workers wearing bodycams due to verbal abuse

A man wearing a high vis jacket with road closed and work signs in the background on a closed road. Blurred background.
Image caption,

Ronez and Pallot Tarmac have called the abuse from some islanders "disgraceful"

  • Published

Workers are having to wear bodycams after experiencing verbal abuse at road closure sites in Jersey, a tarmac company has said.

Ronez and Pallot Tarmac said it was a preventative step to help the workers protect themselves, calling the abuse from some islanders "disgraceful".

One road closure at the end of July saw business owners on the east coast say the six-week roadwork scheme could have been planned for a different time of year to reduce disruption.

Constable Andy Jehan, Minister for Infrastructure, said the school holidays "were deemed the best time to do it" due to the reduced amount of traffic.

Managing director Mike Osborne said although most people were understanding about the road closures, abuse and threats were difficult to deal with.

He said: "It's demoralising and it increases the stress levels considerably if you don't know how the next person that you're going to engage with is going to react to you.

"We're very grateful for the many people that are really appreciative and bring treats and goodies for the guys, but some people do get very abusive with these guys that are just supporting these essential works for the island."

Six men wearing orange high vis workwear tarmacking the road with a big machine. Temporary railings on the left and houses on the right. Grey skies.
Image caption,

Roadworks began in July in Jersey

Mr Osborne said the workers had felt "threatened" and had even had to call for police intervention in some situations.

He said: "I think it's disgraceful that we've reached the point where operatives trying to implement a scheme for the safety of the people on the site and the people affected by the site have to wear body cams for their own ultimate protection.

"I think it's a very small minority that are causing these problems but they are indeed becoming very significant problems."

Mr Osborne added the roadworks would ultimately benefit all users.

He added: "Just be respectful and courteous to the people that are trying to assist the public."

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