Police warn against tampering with road closure signs near Northamptonshire village
Police are urging members of the public not to move or tamper with official road signage following several incidents near Harrington connected to the overnight closure of the A14 eastbound between Junctions 2 and 3.
The closure, in place Monday to Friday from 8pm to 6am until May, has led to an increase in vehicles attempting to divert through Harrington.
Police say that in recent days, official traffic management signs have been repeatedly moved from their authorised locations and placed into the carriageway, creating a significant danger to road users.
Officers from Kettering Neighbourhood Policing Team are reminding the public that moving or interfering with road signage or placing objects on the highway is a criminal offence under Section 22A of the Road Traffic Act 1991 and Section 137 of the Highways Act 1980, both of which carry serious penalties including fines or imprisonment.
Kettering Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Oliver Quinlan said: “Road signs are positioned carefully to maximise safety and visibility. Moving them may appear harmless to those responsible.
"However, it not only undermines the diversion in place, but their actions are also putting the lives of road users at risk.
“Reducing the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads continues to be a priority for the force and we will continue to take robust action against anyone who is found to be tampering with traffic management equipment to help ensure people get to their destination safely.”
The neighbourhood team will be carrying out additional patrols in the area.
Anyone with information is encouraged to speak to them or report any incidents on 101 or online via www.northant.police.uk.