'Hairy moment' binmen avoid being hit by car in Blackburn

Blackburn with Darwen Council released this footage on its Facebook page

This is the 'hairy moment' two bin men were nearly were nearly hit by a car after an impatient driver mounted a pavement to get round their wagon.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council shared the footage on social media following the "absolutely shocking" incident on Devon Road.

It shows silver Volkswagen Polo mounting the pavement where the refuse team were collecting the bins.

Council bosses praised the "quick-thinking driver" of the wagon who sounded the horn to alert his colleague, which avoided a collision.

The driver, who has not been named, has since received a warning letter under Section 43 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

In a statement, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said: "Our refuse team had one hairy moment a couple of weeks ago.

"The driver in the silver car decided they were too impatient to wait for our collection vehicle, and mounted the pavement where our team were collecting the bins.

"Luckily, the quick-thinking driver of the collection vehicle alerted his colleagues by sounding the horn, which avoided a collision.

"The driver of the silver car received a warning letter in accordance with Section 43 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

"If they partake in similar behaviour in future, they could be served with a community protection notice with further action taken such as a fine or prosecution. In this case, our refuse collection vehicle had no option but to take up the road because of parked vehicles.

"Please think before you park. And remember – patience is a virtue."

The post has garnered lots of comments on the council's Facebook page, one person said: "Should have got a ban or license revoked. Absolutely shocking to mount a pavement, just because you can't wait a few minutes and put people's lives at risk."

Another wrote: "What an entitled driver, there could have been a child stepping out from a house, as well as the danger the driver put these workers in."

Another commented: "Dangerous job being on the bin wagons. You have to be switched on time because of these kind of idiots. Warning letter not enough, should have been points and a fine minimum."

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