With three incidents of abuse reported by its roadworkers every day, Balfour Beatty hosted an MP drop-in event yesterday at Westminster to highlight these alarming statistics and call for urgent action.
Supported by Julia Buckley, MP for Shrewsbury, the event brought together parliamentarians at Portcullis House, offering attendees the chance to hear powerful first-hand accounts from frontline roadworkers—who described verbal threats, physical assaults, and even being targeted by vehicles.
Amit Soorajbally, Balfour Beatty’s Section Engineer on the A63 project, said: “You’re just trying to do your job and get home safe, but some people treat us like we’re in their way or less than human. I’ve had abuse shouted at me, things thrown from car windows, and in one case, someone actually tried to drive at me. It takes a toll—not just physically, but mentally too. This can’t go on. We urgently need stronger protections, tougher consequences for offenders, and real public awareness to tackle this issue before someone else gets seriously hurt.”
With the Government currently developing its new Road Safety Strategy, the event highlighted the urgent need for policymakers, industry partners, and the public to work together, and take urgent, coordinated action to protect these vital works through stronger legal protections, clearer public messaging, improved enforcement against offenders, and embedding respect for roadworkers into national road safety education.
Lee Hewitt, UK Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability Director at Balfour Beatty, said: “No one should face threats, intimidation or violence simply for doing their job—but this is the reality for far too many of our roadworkers every day. At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to standing up for our people, raising awareness, and pushing for meaningful change. As the Government shapes its Road Safety Strategy, this is the moment to act. Abuse of roadworkers must end.”
Julia Buckley, MP for Shrewsbury, said: “I’m sponsoring this event to stand up for roadworkers – the unsung heroes of our transport system who keep our roads safe, open, and connected. It’s completely unacceptable that they face daily abuse simply for doing their jobs. Balfour Beatty and others in the sector are taking action, but they can’t do it alone. We need to back them with stronger protections and send a clear message: this behaviour will not be tolerated.”
To ensure momentum on this important topic, Balfour Beatty will continue to work with Government, industry, and communities to ensure that the abuse of roadworkers is recognised, challenged, and ultimately eradicated.
ENDS
Image: Steve Helliwell, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Living Places and colleagues take part in MP drop-in event
