An unlikely argument is currently coursing through Twitter between BBC Radio 2 lunchtime programme host Jeremy Vine and ‘never knowingly undersold’ Waitrose. The bigger picture of this furore is the familiar tale of cyclists versus HGV drivers being on the same narrow road simultaneously with places to go.

It’s nothing new for journalist Vine, whose previous Twitter rages involved his cycle helmet recording threatening behaviour which sent a driver to prison.

For Vine’s latest storm, he was completing a cycle ride with the Met Police Cycle Safety Team as part of a JustGiving campaign to raise money for RoadPeace, a charity supporting people affected by road crashes.

The campaigning broadcaster posted a recording which begins with the group stopping at some traffic lights on a narrow London road. One officer says as a Waitrose lorry passes, “that’s close to me.” He then adds, “he’ll get undue care and attention for that.”

Vine’s sharing to the court of public opinion is backfiring, prompting a petition - which is no longer available - to have the journalist’ removed from the BBC’. 

Waitrose supports its employee and says: “All our drivers are trained to the highest safety standards. We have investigated and closely examined the footage, including cameras fitted to our vehicle, and we are confident that our driver used the correct positioning while travelling on a narrow lane.”

However, despite the social media furore, as an operator, you can expect to be accountable with any road dispute. Under the new Highway Code, cyclists have priority over drivers, with the new rules stating vehicles must leave at least 1.5 metres when passing bikes on the road. Close passing a cyclist is classed as “careless driving”, and the offence can result in a fixed penalty of six license points and a £100 fine. In severe cases, careless driving can be taken to court, with possible discretionary disqualification from driving. 

We can’t help you avoid BBC Radio 2 DJs on bicycles, but FLEETMAXX SOLUTIONS offers our partner associations Free Online Highway Code Learning. Once you register, the free 20-minute Toolbox Talks will be sent directly to your drivers’ mobiles, and they can review it at a time of their choosing. 

We’d be delighted to tell you more and help your business benefit and look after your drivers with Highway Code e-learning. To find out more, fill out our short enquiry form https://www.fleetmaxxsolutions.co.uk/driver-training-elearning/highway-code-changes/.

Whether you have one or thousands of vehicles on the road, we can help reduce your running costs with discounted branded and tailored diesel, petrol, electric and pre-paid fuel cards, telematics tracking, dashcams, improving driver training and business insurance solutions. 

Get in touch here─ we look forward to becoming your ‘trusted partner’.