California Cross: Motorists issue stabbing threats over roadworks

Workers carrying out improvements to a road have been threatened with physical violence, a council has said.

Modifications to California Cross junction in Finchampstead, Berkshire, began this week.

But motorists have since threatened to stab and punch workers at the site, with one employee allegedly being struck by a car on purpose, Wokingham Borough Council claimed.

Thames Valley Police said it was investigating.

At about 09:00 GMT on Wednesday, the force said it received reports of an assault on Church Lane.

A driver intentionally hit a road worker with their vehicle before fleeing the scene, the council said. The car's registration number was given to the police.

On Tuesday, a different motorist threatened to stab a worker before speeding off while the crew were setting up traffic controls to close Nine Mile Ride.

Later, another driver threatened to punch a worker, the council added.

Paul Fishwick, the council's member for active travel, transport and highways, called the threats "completely unacceptable".

"Road workers are there to do a job and to earn a living - how would the rest of us like it if our lives were threatened while we were just doing our jobs?" he said.

"And, to these who are going around intentionally stirring up trouble in the area, I am asking you to stop and think of the consequences of what you are doing."

He added he would use "every power available" to prosecute those responsible for the "reprehensible behaviour".

The works at California Cross are designed to improve the area for pedestrians and change access to the car parks.

As part of the first phase, Finchampstead Road will be closed from the Ratepayers Hall to the crossroads and Nine Mile Ride will be closed from just past Gorse Ride to the crossroads.

The work is due to finish in September 2024.

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