Labour councillor Nigel Chapman has backed a safety campaign urging drivers to protect Oxford’s waste and recycling crews, after 15 incidents of dangerous pavement driving around collection vehicles.
Oxford Direct Services launched its DROPs campaign following dangerous driving and near misses around collection vehicles, including motorists mounting pavements and squeezing through narrow gaps.
15 incidents reported to police
The company recorded 15 incidents of dangerous pavement driving around collection operations between March 2025 and August 2026. All were reported to police.
New messages on high-visibility clothing and vehicles remind motorists that collection workers have families waiting for them at home.
Chapman, Oxford City Council’s cabinet member for citizen focused services and council companies, said a few extra seconds of patience could prevent a serious accident.
What drivers are asked to do
ODS collects more than half a million domestic bins each month. Its crews also provide commercial waste and recycling services across the city.
The campaign asks motorists to slow down, leave crews room to work, avoid unsafe overtaking and never drive onto pavements to get past collection vehicles.
