Diesel spillers targeted

Devon County Council is targeting diesel vehicle drivers with a new campaign aimed at improving rider safety.

‘Spiller Killer’ is part of the county’s ‘Bringing Bikers Out of the Blindspot’ campaign.

One of Devon County Council’s largest partners, South West Highways Ltd, which has a fleet of around 300 vehicles, will distribute information to its staff and display warnings of the risks posed by spilt diesel.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said:

“By encouraging the reporting of diesel spills so that action can be taken quickly and reminding those who use diesel including haulage companies, farmers and petrol filling stations about the problems caused by overfilling, poorly fitted fuel caps and poorly maintained vehicles we hope to reduce the number of accidents on Devon’s roads.

SWH Term Maintenance Manager, Peter Woodhead, added: “As a motorcyclist myself I am well aware of the dangers of diesel spillages and am pleased to say that as a major fleet operator SWH is fully supporting the campaign and will be encouraging all of our supply chain to assist in reducing preventable accidents associated with diesel spillages.”

A hotline number – 01392 383329 – has been set up for people to report diesel spills on the roads.

Companies wishing to support the campaign can get information packs by calling 01392 446124.