Impatient motorists putting lives of bin crews and residents in danger

Motorists are being encouraged to 'keep your crew safe' by showing patience when following waste collection trucks.

The appeal follows two successful prosecutions this autumn where bin crews and residents were put in danger by impatient motorists driving over pavement or into the path of oncoming traffic.

The important message also comes ahead of Brake Road Safety Week (19 and 25 November), an annual campaign spearheaded by the charity, Brake.

In the first case, a driver mounted the pavement to go around a collection vehicle, narrowly missing a member of the collection crew.

After being reported to the police, the motorist admitted to driving without due care and attention. He was fined and received three points.

The second case saw a van overtake a collection truck and two cars behind it, narrowly missing an on-coming car. The driver was fined and received six points.

Two people have been summoned in two further cases.

Collection lorries are fitted with a 360-degree camera, so dangerous moments and footage are also captured.

The Isle of Wight Council’s waste service provider logs incidents reported by crews. Reports and footage are passed onto the police for investigation.

The crews report an average of one incident every week.

Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, Cabinet member for waste and recycling, said: “Vigilance by crews like this not only keeps colleagues safe but members of the public around them.

“The vast majority of road users drive responsibly. However, the dangerous actions of some impatient drivers needlessly risk the lives of collection crews, pedestrians and other road users.”

Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment and planning, added: “This Road Safety Week and as we head into winter, we'd like to remind motorists that crews are only doing their job and ask them to be patient.

“Only proceed once it is clear, and do so with caution, especially when visibility may be poor in the darker, wetter weather.”

Driving on the footway (or pavement) is an offence under section 72 of the Highways Act 1835 and is also prohibited by rule 145 of the Highway Code.

For more information about Road Safety Week, visit: https://www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week