National Highways has issued a serious warning to motorists after more than 13,000 drivers were caught speeding through the A417 Missing Link roadworks since November 2024.
The £460 million landscape-led scheme will deliver four miles of new dual carriageway, improving safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing the Cotswolds National Landscape.
To protect both road users and staff, average speed cameras were installed in 2024. Despite this, figures from Gloucestershire Police show many drivers continue to ignore the 40mph speed limit, putting lives at risk.
Celine Acard, Senior Project Manager for National Highways, said: “Safety is our number one priority. Tens of thousands of people use these sections of the A417 every day, but for the sake of shaving a minute or two off their journey, some drivers are putting themselves and our roadworkers in danger. Our staff and contractors are entitled to do their jobs safely, without the threat of being injured or killed by reckless driving.”
Nick Evans, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of Gloucestershire’s Road Safety Partnership, added: “Speed limits are there to keep everyone safe. Around roadworks, roadworkers are particularly vulnerable, and the road is not in its normal state. Please allow a little extra time for your journey and think of the workers by the side of the road, who, like you, have families expecting them home.”
The A417 Missing Link has two 40mph sections: between the Highwayman Inn/Elkstone junction and Nettleton Bottom, and between the A46 and Air Balloon roundabout. Complying with the speed limit adds less than a minute to journeys, while avoiding a £100 fine and three licence penalty points.
Key Facts:
- Speeding contributes to nearly half of all collisions on UK roads.
- Speed cameras in roadworks improve safety and traffic flow.
- The Missing Link project enhances transport efficiency while conserving the landscape.
