Lib Dems Celebrate Victory in Devonshire Road Safety Campaign

12.55.58am GMT Mon 5th Mar 2007

Thurrock Liberal Democrats Road Safety Campaign on Devonshire Road received a massive boost from a reputable International Logistics company which upheld their complaint about their petrol tankers using Devonshire Road as a thoroughfare.

This company has responsibility for delivering petrol to over 340 petrol stations nationwide.

In their letter of complaint sent out last November, the Liberal Democrats reminded the company of their corporate and social responsibilities especially the unacceptable danger posed by their petrol tanker to residents and other roads users on the restricted Devonshire Road.

The company's Assistant General Manager apologised for the conduct of the driver (whom action has been taken against), acknowledged and shared our concerns.

He further gave a categorical undertaking that all their drivers have been briefed not to use Devonshire Road as a thoroughfare with immediate effect.

Earnshaw Palmer, who is leading this campaign said

"This outcome is excellent news for Chafford residents, and other road users.

Many residents will now go to bed in the certain knowledge and assurance that a there will be less hazards from petrol tankers on Devonshire Road.

The success of the Devonshire Road Safety Campaign has also yielded benefits for residents in West Thurrock especially those living along London Road which is the main route leading up to Devonshire Road. I am sure this news will be both to the relief and delight to Mr Nigel Day, a West Thurrock resident.

The petrol tanker was in breach of the law and that in our view was tantamount to corporate anti-social behaviour.

Law and order applies to individuals and corporate entities should not consider themselves exempt.

As committed campaigners, we decided to adopt the naming and shaming strategy because we knew that the offending companies will not condone unlawful activities by drivers or agents acting on their behalf. They are duty bound to investigate allegations of wrong doing and take appropriate action to ensure full compliance with the law.

We were right in raising such an important issue and the implications for the safety of residents and other road users.

The result of our intervention proved that our brave action was justified and commendable as it has made a difference for the residents of Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock.

We have earned the right to continue the campaign and take decisive action to make this road safer and ensure that it is only used by vehicles it was intended for.

Whilst this represents a major victory it is a step in the right direction, there is a lot more that we can do as other petrol tankers have been seen using Devonshire Road as a thoroughfare.

We will continue with our quest to stop inappropriate vehicles from using the restricted Devonshire Road.