Carry On Working: The life of a trucker during the coronavirus pandemic

Over the next couple of weeks, ITV Border will be looking at the lives of key workers who are battling through all the challenges of the pandemic to provide a service for us.

The work of the haulage industry has been put in the spotlight by the outbreak as they transport vital goods around the country.

Mark Carey is one of the truck drivers who workers at a haulage firm in Lockerbie in Dumfries and Galloway.

Although many of their vehicles are idle, due to the break on construction projects, Mark is still on the road – transporting biofuel used by public transport.

He said: "We can start at any time between four and six in the morning, and doing 15-hour shifts, we usually do anything between 2,000km and 2,500km and week.

"You are away from home Monday to Friday, which is quite a long time to be away."

Truckers have a strict regiment, defining how long they should drive and when they should stop for rest, food and toilet breaks. However, the outbreak of coronavirus has closed many of the roadside facilities that drivers depend upon.

"It’s getting harder each week to try and get by, all the facilities and everything are getting less and less each week", Mark said.

"We’re taking a lot more food with us right now, some of the lads have microwaves in the truck, they’re taking food to last them most of the week.

"Once you’re in the truck it’s your safe space because you are self-contained, you’re in there, but you're always worried about taking the virus or any bacteria into the cab with you.

"You’ve always got hand wipes things like that and gel so, were trying our best to keep us self-contained.

He has noticed in a difference in the way people treat truckers, he said: "There are a lot more people giving us the time of day, people up on bridges and waving at us and things like that, which puts a smile on your face.

Mark says the outbreak has created a stronger bond between drivers, he said: "It’s kind of brought the lads closer together as well, it’s a kind of lonely life out on the road and a lot of the lads are speaking to each other more.

"People are starting to realise the value of truckers and the job that we do for people in the communities."