MINI cameras are to be fitted to Stop/Go signs as motorists put lives at risk at roadworks.

Since January 2010, there have been 48 recorded incidents of drivers ignoring Stop/Go signs and road closures in Gloucestershire, the county council has revealed.

Some of these incidents resulted in injuries. There were also several near misses, cases of workers being verbally abused and intimidated and damage to vehicles and equipment.

In one incident in Stroud, a driver mounted the pavement to try to drive through a road closure and hit a worker.

As a result, Gloucestershire Highways is becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of its workers and of all road users.

It has promoted highways to fit mini cameras to some Stop/Go signs to deter people ignoring them.

Now, if someone ignores a Stop/Go sign, the operator is able to record footage of the offending vehicle committing the traffic violation via the on board CCTV camera. This will be passed on to the police for prosecution.

Each site will be clearly marked with temporary traffic enforcement signs so people will be fully aware of the cameras.

Nigel Tomlinson, Head of Gloucestershire Highways, said: "Although the majority of drivers obey Stop/Go signs, there are a significant number of people ignoring them. They are putting our workers at serious risk of injury or even death.

"The Stop/Go boards used for traffic control have legal status. I hope the fact that the signs now have mini cameras installed in them will deter people from ignoring them in the future."

Inspector John Keates, in charge of road policing, said the police were working with Gloucestershire Highways on the issue.

"There is a minority of motorists that make the decision to ignore Stop/Go boards, and that is placing workers at an increased risk. To contravene these road traffic signs is an offence and one that is punishable by way of fixed penalty notice or through the courts."