Drivers join ATA and NSW Police for Coffee with a Cop

By Big Rigs
Original article HERE

THE Australian Trucking Association and officers from NSW Police have joined drivers at BP Marulan Southbound today for Coffee with a Cop.

The initiative provides an opportunity for truck drivers and other road users to clarify issues, ask questions and address concerns directly with police officers in an informal and positive way.

“The first Coffee with a Cop was held this time last year, and since then we’ve been to BP Eastern Creek, Parkes truck stop and now we have returned to BP Marulan,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire said today.

“Every time we get out on the road for Coffee with a Cop, truck drivers tell us how beneficial the event is and how important it is for police officers and road users to understand each other.

“As we near the Christmas period where we see an increase in drivers on our roads, the event is a great chance break down barriers and put any misconceptions to bed. It’s also a perfect opportunity for the ATA to hear from drivers and understand their on-road concerns first-hand,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the NSW Police Force – Traffic & Highway Patrol Command said that these events were an important reminder of the role our truck drivers have not only across the community, but throughout Australia.

“This is the busiest time of year for the transport industry, and the work that our truck drivers do in not only conveying our Christmas goods, but also being ‘first on the scene’ to many serious injury and fatal crashes, delivering first aid & calling in emergency services is an important factor in road safety.

“We know truck drivers will not tolerate poor behaviour on our roads, and the help they give us in calling 000, or supplying Dash Camera footage of offenders is vital in changing the culture on our roads.

“I would like to think that when we are all celebrating Christmas with our families this year, that we spare a thought as to how what we enjoy with food and gifts comes to us, acknowledging those men and women in the supply chain, hoping they too get to enjoy some time with their families this year,” he said.

The event today was kindly hosted by the BP team with all drivers and travellers provided with a complimentary coffee.

BP continues to invest in state-of-the-art truck stop facilities that provide truck drivers a place to stop, rest, refresh and have a healthy meal before they continue a safe journey, and BP Marulan Southbound is a clear example of this.