Prosecution warning for menace drivers

Impatient drivers desperate to pass Blaby District bin crews are endangering pedestrians by mounting the kerb to undertake the lorries. 

At least six instances have occurred over recent months, prompting a warning from Blaby District Council and the message if menace motorists are caught on camera the footage will be passed to the police. 

Dashcam footage or other video evidence can be used by Leicestershire Police to track down the driver and take action. 

This may range from £50 fines for the offence of driving a vehicle on a footpath to court action with the potential for fines of almost £1,000 and penalty points. 

Nigel Grundy, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: "We try and keep disruption on the roads to a minimum while our crews are on their bin collection rounds, however, inevitably there will be some occasions where traffic will be held up. 

"Obviously we recognise that drivers can become frustrated with this and we have no problem with drivers passing our lorries on the road when it is appropriate and safe to do so. Lately though drivers have been going to extraordinary and dangerous lengths to get past our lorries. 

"There has been a notable increase in motorists literally mounting the pavement on the inside of the lorries to try and get round them more quickly. Not only is this reckless it is downright dangerous – putting any pedestrian at risk. 

"We urge drivers not to attempt such hazardous manoeuvres and remind them we do have video cameras on our lorries so any vehicles captured mounting the pavement could face police action."

Councillor Nigel Grundy
Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets