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Oxford bin crew safety threatened by drivers mounting pavements
Overview
Oxford Direct Services (ODS) has reported that dangerous driving, including motorists mounting pavements and squeezing past trucks on narrow roads, is endangering the safety of waste collection crews in Oxford. ODS recorded 15 such incidents between March 2025 and August 2026, leading to police reports, fines, and driving bans. In response, the firm has launched the Driving Recklessly on Pavements (DROP) campaign, featuring safety messages on collection vehicles and staff uniforms to encourage motorists to be more patient.
Key points
- Motorists mounting pavements and trying to squeeze past trucks are threatening the safety of Oxford bin crews.
- Oxford Direct Services (ODS) reported 15 dangerous driving incidents involving workers between March 2025 and August 2026 to the police.
- Some of the reported incidents have resulted in fines and driving bans for motorists.
- ODS has launched the Driving Recklessly on Pavements (DROP) campaign to urge drivers to be patient around refuse vehicles.
- Safety messages have been added to ODS collection vehicles and hi-vis uniforms to humanise workers and promote road safety.