Motorists are being urged to take extra care in areas where work is being carried out on the island’s roads.

The message follows a number of recent near misses involving highways workers.

The latest incident occurred last week when a roadworker narrowly avoided being struck by a motorist in Gansey.

Drivers are encouraged to abide by all road signs and slow down while passing through roadworks.

David Anderson MLC, Department of Infrastructure member with responsibility for highway services, said: ’A member of our staff came within a few feet of being run down in Gansey by a motorist who overtook another vehicle in an area that was clearly signed.

’This sort of behaviour is unacceptable and endangers people who are simply trying to do their jobs.

’Safety of our employees is of paramount importance and I would urge motorists to drive considerately where people are working. This applies not only around the bigger schemes, but also where lone members of staff may be carrying out survey and maintenance work at the side of the road.’

Sergeant Steven Lapsley, head of the roads policing unit, added: ’Dangerous driving will not be tolerated and offenders can expect to be caught and prosecuted.’

Meanwhile, regeneration works in Port Erin will reach an important milestone in time for the Easter weekend, with the opening of the renewed footway on Station Road. This will provide improved access to the railway station and museum.

The opening of the footways coincides with the Port Erin Traders’ Association Easter Extravaganza, which takes place over Easter Sunday and Monday from 11am to 5pm.

There is a free ’park and ride’ facility available from the field adjacent to Rushen Parish Church.

In Foxdale, a project that has resulted in the main road through the village being closed, is not now expected to finish until mid-August.