Thousands of impatient drivers in the South West of England have been caught putting workers at risk by mounting pavements and driving dangerously breaking crucial Highway Code rules.
Cornwall Council has revealed that over the past two years CCTV cameras have captured cars, vans, trucks and motorcycles narrowly avoiding bin collection crews as they carry out their essential duties.
A shocking video highlighting the danger was released during Road Safety Week which showed multiple incidents where workers were nearly struck by vehicles.
All rubbish and recycling collection vehicles in the region are equipped with multiple cameras, with evidence of potentially illegal driving being shared with Devon and Cornwall Police through Operation Snap.
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Drivers can be fined for reckless driving for using the pavement incorrectly
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The dangerous manoeuvres have prompted serious safety concerns, as collection crews service up to 2,500 properties daily across Cornwall.
The footage showed vehicles mounting pavements and blocking collection routes, demonstrating a pattern of dangerous behaviour around waste crews.
Biffa, which operates the collection service for Cornwall Council, reported that crews also face verbal abuse while attempting to provide their essential service.
“We do our best to keep the collection trucks moving as quickly as possible,” a Biffa spokesman said. “It is disheartening, and sometimes quite threatening, to see other road users being so impatient.”
Not only is the driving causing danger to the collection crew, but it also breaks rule 145 of the Highway Code which explicitly statesthat driving on or over a pavement or footpath is prohibited except in emergencies or for lawful property access.
Offenders could face fixed penalty notices, court summons, or mandatory education courses.
The Metropolitan Police classify such incidents under dangerous driving offences, which occur when driving falls far below the minimum standard expected of a competent driver.
Dangerous driving includes aggressive behaviour, ignoring road signs, and overtaking dangerously – all behaviours witnessed around waste collection vehicles in Cornwall.
The collection teams operate under strict safety rules and restrictions to protect both workers and the public. Various factors including traffic volume, seasonal changes, inconsiderate parking and roadworks can affect where vehicles can safely pull in to complete collections.
Councillor Carol Mould said: “It is very difficult to watch some of the videos. The actions of these motorists could have resulted in death or serious injury to the crews, who work incredibly hard, or members of the public. It is simply unacceptable for people to behave in this way just because they are in a hurry.”
Roads Policing Temporary Chief Inspector Dean Drury warned that while most motorists are considerate, the recorded behaviour “is extremely dangerous and reckless and significantly compromises the safety of other road users”.
“Being patient and considerate are basic and fundamental requirements when you are behind a wheel,” headded.
Under UK law, careless or inconsiderate driving includes several behaviours witnessed around waste collection vehicles in Cornwall.
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Drivers found guilty of these offences face serious consequences, including licence points, fines, and potential disqualification.
