Waste Collection Firm Warns of Driver Behavior Endangering Crews

A waste management firm has made public CCTV and dashcam recordings, asserting they depict motorists jeopardizing the safety of its personnel and other individuals. Biffa, in collaboration with Cornwall Council, disseminated these recordings to implore motorists to exhibit “patient and respectful” conduct near collection teams during Road Safety Week. The video material, described as “disheartening,” illustrates vehicles including cars, motorbikes, and vans driving onto pavements to bypass collection lorries, often coming very close to employees. Cornwall Councillor Carol Mould commented that certain incidents were “very difficult to watch” and possessed the potential to result in “death or serious injury.” She stated, “It is simply unacceptable for people to behave in this way just because they are in a hurry.” Biffa, responsible for rubbish and recycling operations throughout the South West, indicated that it had gathered this footage over the preceding two years. The company confirmed that all its vehicles are equipped with numerous cameras and that it routinely provides videos depicting unlawful driving to the police. A Biffa spokesperson noted, “Crews sometimes get verbal abuse too, which is upsetting when they are just trying to provide an essential service to every household in Cornwall.” The firm also mentioned that each of its collection vehicles is capable of servicing up to 2,500 properties daily. Acting Chief Inspector Dean Drury of Devon and Cornwall Police remarked that the videos displayed “dangerous and reckless” driving, constituting violations of the Highway Code. He added, “More importantly, the real consequence here is that you could hurt someone.” He encouraged drivers to be “patient and considerate.” Furthermore, he advised, “Think about the space you’re leaving when passing all road users, whether that be waste collection operatives, cyclists, horse riders or pedestrians.” Road Safety Week took place between 17 and 24 November. For updates, follow BBC Cornwall and BBC Devon on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its external linking policy is available.