Back to School, Back to Safety: Drivers Urged to Slow Down Around Bin Crews on Busier Roads

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, in partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), are reminding motorists to take extra care around refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) as children return to school and traffic volumes increase across the district.

Recently there have been reports of dangerous and inconsiderate driving around RCVs, including unsafe overtaking, driving too closely to collection vehicles and other manoeuvres that place collection crews, pedestrians and other road users at risk.

With schools reopening and roads becoming busier during peak morning and afternoon travel times, motorists are encouraged to slow down, be patient and give refuse collection crews the space they need to work safely.

Every day, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s refuse collection crews travel across the district, working on busy roads and navigating narrow rural routes and residential streets to provide an essential service to local communities. While collections are taking place, staff often work just a short distance from moving traffic.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said:

“As children return to school and traffic levels increase across our towns, villages and rural roads, it is more important than ever that drivers take extra care behind the wheel.

Our refuse collection crews work in communities across the district every day, often stepping in and out of vehicles and working close to moving traffic. I would ask motorists to slow down, be patient and think twice before attempting to overtake a bin lorry. A few moments of consideration can help protect our staff, school children and all road users as they go about their daily journeys.”

Chair of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Adam Gannon, added:

“The start of the new school term is a timely reminder that our roads become much busier, particularly during the morning and afternoon commute. Drivers should expect to encounter school buses, pedestrians, cyclists and refuse collection vehicles and adjust their driving accordingly.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe. By slowing down, avoiding risky manoeuvres and giving bin crews the time and space they need to carry out their work safely, we can help reduce the risk of serious incidents and protect those working and travelling in our communities.”

PSNI is also encouraging motorists to remember the Fatal Five road safety message and to make safe choices every time they get behind the wheel.

The Fatal Five reminds drivers to:

1. Slow down and drive at a safe speed.
2. Never use a mobile phone while driving.
3. Always wear your seatbelt.
4. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
5. Drive with care and consideration for all road users.

By following these simple but vital messages, motorists can help prevent serious collisions and keep everyone using our roads safe. Residents are also encouraged to:

• Slow down when approaching a refuse collection vehicle.
• Be patient while collections are taking place.
• Give refuse collection crews the space they need to work safely.
• Only overtake when it is safe and legal to do so.
• Remember the Fatal Five every time they drive.

Together, by making safer choices behind the wheel, we can help ensure our roads remain safe for refuse collection crews, school children, pedestrians, cyclists and every member of our community.