A new road safety campaign has been launched in Northern Ireland to encourage motorists to give refuse collection crews the space they need to work safely while carrying out essential waste collection services.

The initiative, announced by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, has been developed in partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) following reports of dangerous driving around refuse collection vehicles.

The campaign responds to incidents involving unsafe overtaking, vehicles travelling too closely behind bin lorries and other hazardous manoeuvres that place collection crews, pedestrians and other road users at unnecessary risk.

Waste collection teams operate daily on busy roads, residential streets and narrow rural routes, often working only a short distance from moving traffic while providing essential public services.

Councillor Debbie Coyle, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, urged motorists to exercise patience and consideration when approaching refuse collection vehicles. She said a few extra moments behind the wheel could make a significant difference in helping collection crews return home safely at the end of each working day.

Councillor Adam Gannon, Chair of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, said road safety is a shared responsibility and encouraged drivers to recognise the importance of giving frontline waste collection workers sufficient time and space to carry out their duties safely.

The campaign also reinforces the PSNI's Fatal Five road safety message, reminding motorists to drive at safe speeds, avoid using mobile phones while driving, wear seatbelts, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and show care and consideration to all road users.

Alongside practical road safety advice, the campaign includes a social media video highlighting the everyday challenges faced by refuse collection crews and the importance of responsible driving around waste collection vehicles.

Residents are being encouraged to slow down when approaching bin lorries, remain patient while collections are taking place, overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so, and follow the Fatal Five principles every time they travel.

The campaign reflects the growing emphasis on protecting roadside workers through improved public awareness and safer driving behaviour, recognising that reducing risks around operational vehicles is an important part of maintaining safe working environments for frontline waste management personnel.