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  "path": "/lifestyle/cars/guernsey-motorists-prosecution-dangerous-drivers-roadworks",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-15T06:40:15.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Rolls-Royce debuts 'landmark' electric convertible limited to just 100 orders - 'Our most ambitious work'",
    "Reform UK demands action from Rachel Reeves with 'emergency cut' to fuel prices - 'Do something NOW!'",
    "Labour refuses to call",
    "off Motability tax reforms in July as drivers abuse scheme to buy luxury cars",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nPolice in Guernsey have launched a new crackdown on drivers ignoring road closures, warning that dangerous behaviour around roadworks could lead to serious accidents.\n\nThe initiative, called Operation Columbia, is running throughout April and involves Guernsey Police working alongside Traffic and Highways and utility companies to stop motorists and cyclists from putting their lives at risk by entering closed roads.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe need for enforcement follows a number of recent incidents where people have ignored \"Road Closed\" signs, moved barriers, or tried to squeeze past workers and machinery.\n\nIn some cases, police warned that this has led to near collisions with workers, which could easily have resulted in serious casualties.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAuthorities have now stressed that road closures are not optional, and that when a road is marked as closed, it applies to all traffic unless access is specifically allowed for authorised vehicles.\n\nIn many cases, cyclists can pass through if signs permit it, but they must do so carefully and dismount where required.\n\nPolice warned that the risks are significant, as roadworks often involve heavy machinery, open trenches, and exposed cables or pipes.\n\nAs part of the operation, traffic wardens and road policing officers will increase patrols at roadwork sites, especially during busy periods.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSergeant Andy Smith from the Roads Policing Unit warned that some people are taking unnecessary risks by travelling through closed roads.\n\nHe said: \"During Operation Columbia, officers will be visiting sites regularly, offering advice where appropriate and taking enforcement action where behaviour puts others at risk.\"\n\nOfficials have also urged anyone who genuinely needs access during a closure to proceed slowly and follow instructions from workers on site.\n\nTraffic Management Officer Chris Dragun said road closures may be frustrating, but they are essential.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Rolls-Royce debuts 'landmark' electric convertible limited to just 100 orders - 'Our most ambitious work'\n  * Reform UK demands action from Rachel Reeves with 'emergency cut' to fuel prices - 'Do something NOW!'\n  * Labour refuses to call off Motability tax reforms in July as drivers abuse scheme to buy luxury cars\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe added that despite repeated warnings, a small number of people continue to ignore the rules, which has led to the decision to step up enforcement.\n\nUtility companies have also raised safety concerns, including John Tostevin from Guernsey Electricity, who said workers have faced \"worrying incidents\", such as drivers attempting to pass through areas where live electricity cables are exposed.\n\nJon Holt from Guernsey Water echoed the message, explaining how closures are put in place to protect workers carrying out essential jobs.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe added that while most drivers follow the rules, drivers who deliberately ignore the road signs may be reported to the police.\n\nAuthorities have now called on islanders to cooperate, follow diversion routes, and respect road signs.\n\nThe police explained that following the rule will not only keep workers safe but also help ensure roadworks are completed more quickly.\n\nOperation Columbia will continue throughout April, with police making it clear they are prepared to take action against anyone who ignores the rules.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Motorists at risk of prosecution as new rules target dangerous drivers ignoring roadworks"
}