So many motorists are flagrantly ignoring the reduced 60km/h speed limit through roadworks on Wangi Road, at Rathmines, that Lake Macquarie City Council has asked police to increase patrols of the area.

Already there have been two accidents at the site.

Council fears more accidents are likely, unless motorists change their ways.

The message is clear: the work zone is subject to an enforceable 60km/h speed limit, it is not merely a suggested speed.

Council’s projects manager Luke Ryan said council was doing it all it could to improve safety in the area.

“We’re doing what we can to make motorists aware of the need to slow down near the site,” Mr Ryan said.

Council has installed several signs at either end of the works, and an array of roadside barriers to separate vehicles from council staff and machinery.

“We’ve reviewed our traffic control plans for the area, and it’s all best practice. And on our website, the area is on the list of current works. We’re giving motorists as much advanced warning as we can.”

Ultimately, though, it was up to motorists to do the right thing.

Mr Ryan said the reduced speed limit was essential to protect motorists and workers.

“This is an active work site, with equipment and machinery moving around, so the conditions are constantly changing,” he said.

“The idea of reducing the speed limit is to give motorists more reaction time. It’s for the safety of the general public, and our guys, as well.”

Council staff who operate the Stop/Slow signs at the site will often wave the sign up and down in their attempts to get approaching vehicles to ease on their brakes, Mr Ryan said.

And when motorists do comply with the 60km/h limit, they are often tailgated by motorists eager to maintain their speed.

Mr Ryan urged motorists to be patient.

He said slowing to 60km/h for the duration of a couple of hundred metres would add just a few seconds to a journey, but would make a significant difference to the safety of motorists and council staff at the site.

The road works are scheduled for completion in March.

They are part of the redevelopment of the Awaba Waste Management Facility, on Wilton Road, and will result in the creation of an improved intersection at Wangi and Wilton roads, with passing lanes.