Police have announced a targeted road safety operation across Christchurch and wider Canterbury next week, focusing on speeding and dangerous driving around roadworks sites.

Acting Canterbury Road Policing Manager Senior Sergeant Gerard Peoples said officers were concerned about driver behaviour through both urban and rural roadworks areas, where risks to roadworkers and other road users had been increasing.

“There are far too many drivers exceeding the temporary speed limits and who are failing to comply with other traffic control measures.

“Motorists need to remember that these measures are in place to keep everyone safe, and this type of behaviour poses risks to roadworkers, other road-users, and yourself,” Peoples said.

Police will work alongside roading authorities and contractors during the two week Operation Safe Works campaign, aimed at improving safety and preventing harm in and around roadworks zones.

Officers will carry out highly visible enforcement activity, combining driver education with enforcement where required.

“Temporary set speeds are not a suggestion; they override the regular set speed for that area and should be treated with the same level of compliance as those permanent set speeds.

“I want to remind motorists that just because we are putting an increased focus on this for the next couple weeks, that doesn’t mean that enforcement action stops when the operation ends – you can expect to see us anywhere, anytime,” Peoples said.

Police also reminded the public anyone who witnessed dangerous driving could report it by calling 111 if it was happening at the time, or by contacting 105 online or by phone afterwards, providing as much detail as possible.

The operation starts on Monday.