Tayside Contracts has had enough of its roadside workers getting a hard time from the public.
The problem of road personnel being verbally abused by frustrated motorists and pedestrians has been widespread, especially in recent months.
So the Dundee-based company has responded by warning people if they do not watch their mouth, there will be consequences.
Carse of Gowrie Councillor Angus Forbes spotted this sign in Blairgowrie.
On it, Tayside Contracts warned that incidents would be reported to the police.
It said: “Please treat staff with courtesy. Abuse will not be tolerated. Police will be notified.”
Earlier this week Cllr Forbes, who is convenor for Perth and Kinross Council ’s environment and infrastructure committee, tweeted: “Isn’t it terrible that Tayside Contracts need to put these signs out at roadworks.”
He told the PA: “I know from anecdotal discussions with roads workers that they are getting abuse, but I didn’t realise it was to the level that Tayside Contracts would need to put out signs.
“I have certainly noticed that I am getting more case work which involves people falling out with each other so it’s maybe just a result of the pandemic, but it struck me that if TC need to go to the trouble and expense of making signs then it must be an issue.
“At Perth and Kinross we have put a huge amount of money into roads maintenance which obviously means more roadworks and more road closures, it does concern me that this will result in verbal abuse of the staff on site.”
Tayside Contracts gave the PA a statement explaining its zero tolerance attitude in support of its employees: “Our road workers provide a valuable public service, making sure that we can all travel on safe, well maintained roads.
“To keep these roads maintained we do need to occasionally close some sections, and we would ask for patience and understanding of the public whilst we do this.
“It is unacceptable for our people to be subject to abuse while they are providing this vital public service for the benefit of all road users, and we will not hesitate to report incidents of abuse to the police.
“However, this sign wasn’t placed at the job in a response to a particular incident but in response to increasing instances of abuse our workforce face and as an industry nationally.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson also commented on unwarranted verbal attacks: “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
“The safety of staff is paramount and we support Tayside Contracts’ zero tolerance approach to abuse of their workers.
“Any incidents of abuse reported to us will be investigated and appropriate action taken.”
