Council fined after road worker almost hit by car in Harthill

A workman who was almost hit by a car as he painted road markings without traffic cones or warning signs has triggered a £5,500 fine from the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.

A car overtook a van just where the workman was painting road markings. Picture: Vimeo

Dashcam footage showed the vehicle overtaking a van before its driver spotted the man in the middle of the road and passed to his right.

The penalty was imposed on North Lanarkshire Council, which employed the contractor.

The man was working at the start of a 60mph limit section of Westcraigs Road in Harthill last September.

The council said the worker had not complied with safety requirements.

"In general, the performance of the council has appeared satisfactory.

"However, recent events have revealed significant failures in terms of safety and co-ordination.

The Scottish Road Works Commissioner can impose fines of up to 50,000. Picture: Lindsay Addison

"Road works carried out on behalf of the authority, by contractors, resulted in endangering road workers and the general public.

"These works were not recorded on the Scottish Road Works Register and appropriate traffic management was not in place.

“As the failures are of a very serious nature, compromising both safety of those working for the roads authority and the public, I have decided to impose a penalty of £5,500 to send a clear message to all organisations undertaking road works that poor performance is unacceptable and that all legislation must be followed."

Mr Carmichael can impose fines of up to £50,000.

The Scottish Road Works Commissioner can impose fines of up to 50,000. Picture: Lindsay Addison

Neil Greig, policy and research director of the IAM RoadSmart motoring group, said: "As corporate fines go it’s pretty paltry, but the main thing is it sends a clear message to councils that they need to tighten up their safety procedures for road workers.

"That can only be done through management commitment at all levels to ensure what drivers see happening on the ground matches the fine words in the head office policy statements."

Robert Steenson, assistant chief executive of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “We are disappointed an appointed road lining contractor didn’t comply with their obligations for the necessary health and safety at work procedures.

"We are working fully with the Scottish Road Works Commissioner to ensure all contractors meet their health and safety requirements.”