Suffolk roadworkers targeted with urine fear being run down

The county council department’s crackdown comes after figures obtained by the BBC revealed 541 cases of abuse towards road workers had been recorded across England by National Highways between 2020 and 2023.

Ms Ryan, 24, who was once threatened with a gun, says being on the receiving end of abuse has become par for the course.

“I really enjoy my job, but I know people who have left the industry because why should they come to work just to get screamed at?” she asked.

“Abuse is just like a normal thing for us and you even get drivers throwing bottles of urine out the window at you.

“But it ranges from a swear word to someone actually trying to get to you – and, God forbid, but someone could actually run you down.

“I’ve had to lock myself in my van because people have slammed their hands on the bonnet and tried to get in – people get angry really quickly and it is worrying.”