Fermanagh and Omagh district council in Northern Ireland said that there have been reports of drivers stopping too close to the RCVs and mounting the kerb to overtake the vehicles.
Speaking about the concerns, chair of Fermanagh and Omagh district council, councillor John McClaughry, said: “The council is committed to ensuring the safety of employees and the public in the delivery of its refuse collection service.
I urge to road users and pedestrians to support our appeal and give our crews time and space to carry out their duties of emptying your bins safely.”
The council added that it also aware of incidents where pedestrians have entered the work zone area of the refuse collection lorry, particularly at the rear of the refuse collection vehicle, where the lifting mechanisms operate. It warned that this is highly dangerous and poses a significant risk of injury or indeed fatality.
Fermanagh and Omagh urged pedestrians to avoid walking too close to the vehicle and to adhere to the safety guidance displayed on the lorry which outlines safety of the public and the crews.
Inspector Gary Irvine from Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), added: “Road safety is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and reducing deaths and serious injury on our roads is a responsibility we all share.
“We will continue to work with partners to help make our roads safer for everyone.
“Police would also encourage pedestrians to be aware of their personal road safety especially when crossing roads, being mindful of increased risk around larger vehicles.”
Aggression towards staff
The council said that it would also like to take the opportunity to remind everyone that staff are delivering an essential service and there is never an acceptable occasion for them to receive aggressive or abusive behaviour.
The council’s RCVs are fitted with 360-degree CCTV to discourage aggressive and inappropriate driving and behaviour, and to protect its employees and the public.
If staff report incidents of dangerous driving or aggressive behaviour, officers will review the CCTV foot and refer it to the PSNI as required.
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