WATCH: Warning after roadworker struck by metal from lorry
Drivers have been urged to ensure loads are safety secured after shocking footage showed a road worker being hurt by a piece of metal that came flying from a lorry.
Highways England said more than 46,000 items were found on England’s motorways and major A roads over just 10 months - including more than 10,000 in the Midlands alone.
These included a washing machine, sofa and king-size mattress, double-glazed door, garden sheds - and even a 40ft ship’s mast.
With families soon to be taking to the road for summer staycations, there will be many more drivers with loads such as bikes and roof boxes strapped to their vehicles. Highways England is urging all drivers to make sure their loads are safely secured before they set off.
Officials say these items pose a big safety risk for other people on the road, including the traffic officers who help clear them up.
Footage released by Highways England showed a worker on the M6, between junctions 13 and 15 near Stafford, being struck on the leg by a piece of metal which had come loose from a lorry.
The force of the blow knocked him to the floor and after getting back to his feet he could be seen limping away.
He was working on the central reservation as part of the upgrade of the motorway when hurt. Fortunately he did not suffer any serious injuries or broken bones.
On-road team manager Mark Snell said: “We have had fence panels, a shed, tools, tool boxes, motorcycle bags and top boxes – the whole contents on one family’s top box was spread all over three lanes as they were on their way to a holiday in the West Country."
Most incidents on are on the main routes, the M6 and M1, followed by the M5, M62 and M25.
Team manager Glenn Lamont, who patrols roads in Cumbria, said: “I personally have dealt with roof boxes, bicycles, sofas, LGV trailer roofs, a domestic oil tank and many other weird objects.
“The most unusual item I came across was a 40ft mast off a sailing ship. It was at an angle across two lanes. We never found the owner.
“But shed loads can close a road for several hours as well as putting people at risk. So our advice is simple: Secure your load before you set out. It could prevent an accident and save lives.”
Ben Aldous, RAC patrol of the year, said: “Just a few minutes spent making sure things like bikes, roofboxes and caravans are completely secure, and then double-checking them can make the difference between a trouble-free journey and one that puts people’s lives at risk as well as causes long delays for other travellers.
"We’d ask everyone checks loads at the same time as looking at things like tyre tread and pressure, and oil and coolant levels. The more care drivers take before setting out, the smoother their journeys.”
