Aberdeenshire Council has appealed for disgruntled motorists to show more compassion towards roads workers after a crew in Peterhead was subjected to “unacceptable” verbal abuse.
The team were carrying out resurfacing on the town’s Meethill Road when the incident happened.
Aberdeenshire Council’s roads department took to social media to highlight the abuse and urged people to be “considerate” when roadworks are taking place.
The post said: “Disappointing and unacceptable the level of verbal abuse towards the road crews working in Peterhead today.
“Please be considerate as any inconvenience will be minor, and they should be allowed to work safely.”
The road crew involved in the incident were back at work yesterday and were busy laying a new surface at the Maiden Street car park.
Councillors rounded on those who targeted the local authority staff.
Members of the Aberdeenshire Licensing Forum, who were in Peterhead for a meeting, united to condemn the culprits.
Councillor Alastair Forsyth said it was “unacceptable” for anyone to be subject to abuse while carrying out their work.
Mr Forsyth said: “At this time of year there are a lot of roadworks, to take advantage of the good weather.
“Clearly that causes inconvenience from time to time but it should improve the road network.
“Therefore it is in our interests to make sure our workers are safe and if there is any abuse that is unacceptable.
“We will not tolerate abuse of our council workers.”
Peterhead North and Rattray councillor, Dianne Beagrie, said the works were highlighted before they began and appealed for anyone aggrieved by the disruption to be more sympathetic.
She said: “Road workers should be able to get on with their job without facing abuse.
“The closure was publicised and the works need done. Over the next few weeks there will be further closures hopefully drivers can be more understanding.”
Last night, a council spokesman said: “This is not an isolated incident and as well as verbal abuse, roads workers are sometimes placed at risk of physical harm by motorists passing work sites too closely or too quickly.
“I think this helps highlight some of the difficulties they face in keeping the area’s roads in good condition.”
