Waste crews in South Staffordshire are appealing to drivers to drive safely around bin lorries, after a series of incidents involving motorists driving dangerously. Since October 2013 when all collection lorries in South Staffordshire were fitted with 360o video cameras, an average of 8 incidents of poor, dangerous and aggressive driving have been recorded per month.
Impatient drivers have been filmed mounting pavements on all four wheels to get around bin lorries rather than waiting. They are not only putting the lives of refuse crews at risk, but also those of pedestrians. In one shocking incident caught on camera, a car was recorded driving at speed around the bin lorry, nearly colliding with a member of the refuse crew. The driver cautioned and fined by the police.
Biffa have warned that where number plates are legible, incidents will be reported to the police for further investigation. As well as video recording, crews also wear high visibility shirts informing people that they are being recorded, in the hope drivers will heed the warning as they approach or navigate around Biffa collection vehicles and crews on their rounds. Biffa, in partnership with South Staffordshire Council and local police, first launched the safer driving campaign in June 2012 after its staff reported over 100 incidents of driving too fast and too close to get round collection vehicles, squeezing too tightly past bin men on narrow roads, and even mounting pavements.
Neil Bourne 49, is one of 16 Biffa crews who diligently collect and empty thousands of residents’ recycling and refuse bins each week. Over the 12 years he’s spent on the job, he’s experienced a few risky things, typified by a recent narrow escape from injury when he was nearly hit by a car while on round in Codsall.
Neil said: “Every day, we are reminded by our supervisors that safety is of paramount importance. I was just out there doing my job – except that a driver got impatient, decided to get round our wagon by driving dangerously, and nearly took me out. “I don’t want to feel like a target just because I wear high visibility clothing and work out on the roads and streets providing a service for residents. It does worry me that people seem to have less patience, and seem more willing to risk my life and the lives of my workmates. “Most of the danger we experience during our working days is caused by impatient and aggressive drivers.”
Councillor Mary Bond, Cabinet Member Environmental Services at South Staffordshire Council, endorsed the campaign, saying: “We collect over 3½ million bins a year and collection routes have been designed to minimise disruption to residents as much as possible. The vast majority of drivers recognise that collections only take a few moments, and it is unfair and even reckless for inconsiderate drivers to put crews and other road users in danger. “Some of the footage recorded from the cameras is shocking, as it shows people who put their own impatience above the safety of our refuse crews and other pedestrians. This is why we are working with Biffa to highlight the few inconsiderate drivers who potentially put lives at risk.”
South Staffordshire Council sent LARAC two shocking videos, which unfortunately we can't load onto our website. but you can view them via the letsrecycle article on the same subject, the still we show above is from one of them, showing a van overtaking the recycling vehicle on the pavement! Let us know at LARAC if your authority has suffered similar experiences.
