Hackles raised over Dounreay driving crackdown
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THREE strikes and you’re out — that is the new policy which applies to workers at Dounreay who risk losing car parking privileges if they fail to adhere to the rules of the road.
Site licence company DSRL has brought in a new code of conduct for motorists who drive to work which means three breaches will result in a parking ban for the rest of their time at the former fast reactor complex.
The move has created discontent among staff who claim the penalties being proposed are excessive.
One worker, who wished to remain anonymous said: "I think this is totally over the top. They are treating us like schoolchildren."
But the company has stood by its decision, stating that safety in all aspects of site activity is its first priority.
The company has introduced a set of standards it expects from motorists on site, which features the three strike system. It is on trial during February but is expected to be made permanent.
First time offenders will be given a written warning about their driving conduct, but if caught offending a second time, they will be given a three month parking ban. Should they offend on a third occasion, they will be banned from parking their vehicle on site again. Offences include being caught driving without a seatbelt, speaking on their mobile, and driving the wrong way on the car park’s one way system to driving on pedestrian paths and over sleeping policemen.
DSRL spokeswoman Sue Thompson confirmed the system has started on a trial basis this month but foresaw no problems with it being introduced on a permanent basis from March onwards.
She said that the company has adopted the measures to make the site a safer place to work.
"There are certain rules which have to be followed while driving on the site which are the same as those of the Highway code," she said.
"We have a traffic standard at DSRL which details what the company expects them to do when they are using the site roads, which includes the car parks."
She added: "February is being used as a trial month to allow people to get used to the idea of parking and driving sensibly on site.
"The reason behind introducing the new system is directed to improve the driving behaviour of staff and contractors within the car park."
Offences will also include motorists who fail to park properly within the designated car park spaces and staff have been encouraged to notify management of anyone who is flouting the law. The trial run is being seen as a way of observing and understanding issues which may affect safety on site and DSRL has confirmed it has been brought in due to concerns already raised about certain driving behaviour. However, the company has stated that there has been no history of accidents in the car park.
A total of 1500 car parking permits have been issued to staff and contractors at the site, although DSRL say a large number of staff members who have a permit choose to travel to work by bus.
Unite union convener John Deighan said he has spoken to members of staff who are unhappy about the new system and to management.
He said that the union recognises it is a private car park where DSRL is entitled to introduce any rule system it wishes, but said that they will continue to observe how it works out.
"We are aware that there have been concerns regarding the new car park system," he said.
"DSRL is entitled to introduce the system as it is a private car park, but we will continue to monitor the situation."
