Drivers' abuse forces workers out

Traffic marshals had to be withdrawn from duty over the weekend after they became targets for enraged motorists.

The county council employees were enforcing the closure of the A6097 near Nottingham and diverting traffic at the Lowdham roundabout.

But they pulled out after verbal abuse turned into threats of violence from drivers stuck in soaring temperatures.

A call has been made for police to attend any similar incidents in the future to make sure officials are protected.

Assault danger

It was the second weekend in a row that work on the roundabout had caused congestion.

It is totally unacceptable that people trying to help drivers around roadworks should be treated like this Newark and Sherwood county councillor Andy Stewart

A turning off the main road had been closed to most traffic but many drivers were ignoring the restrictions.

Newark and Sherwood county councillor Andy Stewart, said: "They were there for two hours and were subject to numerous insults and eventually two or three threats.

"The engineer in charge felt his men were in danger of being assaulted and he withdrew them at about two o'clock.

Police protection

"Apparently according to the engineer in charge it was appalling, some of the language they were subjected to"

He added: "Very little surprises me, but this did. It is totally unacceptable that people trying to help drivers around roadworks should be treated like this.

"In future I think it would be worth having a police officer on duty.

"Even just 30 minutes might well underline that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."