SPEEDING motorists, risking lives by dangerous driving at roadworks, are the target of a new campaign to slow them down.

The Highways Agency launched the new scheme yesterday at Scotch Corner, in North Yorkshire.

The Safety at Roadworks campaign comes after two workmen were killed and another 19 seriously injured when working on England's major roads last year.

Highways Agency project manager, Alec Briggs, said: "Loss of life, or a serious injury, is a very real threat to these workers.

"The traffic management that we put out is not there for the sake of it, it's there to serve a purpose - protecting our workers from danger and also keeping the public safe as they drive through the roadworks.

"With an average of 3,000 to 4,000 roadworkers on motorways and major roads at any one time, motorists are being reminded that driving safely through roadworks saves lives.

"I urge all drivers to pay close attention when driving through roadworks and stick to the reduced speed limits for the workers' safety and for their own and their passengers' safety."

The campaign calls for drivers to keep to speed limits, get in the correct lane and keeping a safe distance.

The Agency is also warning drivers to be aware of works traffic entering and leaving the main road.

John Williamson, of Balfour Beatty, has worked in the roadworks industry for 17 years.

He said: "I enjoy what I do but there have been times over the years where I have seen roadworkers being put at risk because of people driving too fast.

"Whilst I appreciate that people might be in a hurry, road workers are a vulnerable group of workers.

"So I would urge people to drive with care and consideration through road works and to stick to the speed limits as they are there to protect both drivers and workers."

Edmund King, RAC executive director, added: "In the summer, motorists can become especially irritated with delays on the roads, since they are eager to reach their holiday destination.

"Unfortunately, this sense of frustration can be the catalyst for reckless driving through road works, in an attempt to speed up the journey.

"Ironically- speeding through road works leads to accidents and hence further delays."