Coronavirus Kent: Dartford and Gravesend lorry drivers unable to buy drinks from BP garages
06:00, 06 April 2020
Truckers and lorry drivers from Kent have expressed their anger at petrol stations and motorway services across the country after being denied bottled water and washing facilities.
Scott Fleming from Gravesend, has been a lorry driver for 33 years and during the current coronavirus pandemic has worked extended hours to ensure deliveries meet demand.
The 57-year-old, of Valley Drive, said: "Before this all started truck drivers, like myself, were able to go to petrol stations in the early hours of the morning to grab a coffee, or we'd go into service stations for showers and toilets.
"But now, obviously due to the lockdown, many services aren't even open and garages aren't always serving us.
"Last week I went to one of the BP garages along the A13 after my midnight start.
"I usually go to BP garages as we have a diesel card with them, so when I fill up I usually grab a coffee or something.
"But this time, when I went to the night window and asked for a bottle of Irn Bru the shop clerk said he couldn't give it to me.
"When I asked why, he said he'd been informed that they weren't allowed to sell us anything other that fuel.
"I just didn't understand, it's not like he couldn't have fit it through the night pay hatch, the sale still would've be contact free."
Scott is known as a tramper in the industry - drivers who take their large articulated lorries on long distance deliveries that may take several days.
The vehicles are designed to allow the driver to sleep in overnight and as a result drivers like Scott can only take minimal supplies with them to keep them going during their travels.
Joanne, Scott's wife, has been placed in the vulnerable catagory following government guidelines surrounding Covid-19.
The 54-year-old has an immune deficiency and as a result has to take immunosuppressant medication that puts her at risk of the virus.
Joanne said: "I'm really worried for him. He works Sunday night to Saturday every week and travels up and down the country.
"He's a key worker, delivering anything that's in demand. It makes me angry that these lorry drivers are being treated like this.
"I understand that the NHS are working really hard on the frontline, but my husband is working equally as hard behind the scenes and has no protection whatsoever.
"When he collects the big containers from the docks he has to use a touch screen device to register his arrival, he's given no gloves, no anti-bac wipes, nothing.
"The drivers don't even have access to soap and water at service stations as the facilities are all closed."
Lorry drivers are usually only allowed to drive nine hours a day, but following government changes due to the coronavirus they have now been given the option to drive for 11 hours a day.
Scott said: "The extended hours are beneficial, for instance I was able to do a full return trip to Manchester without having to worry about parking in an unsafe area.
"But in terms of my home life, it's really tough.
"I have six days off a month, and with everything going on at the moment as soon as I'm home for that one day a week I have to go shopping as my wife isn't allowed outside.
"I don't mind all of this, but it would just be nice that if when I was working I'd be able to get a drink and have somewhere to shower before going home."
Joanne added: "It just makes me so angry, I've seen the stories about bottles of pee on the side of the road and peoples responses to it, but where else are they meant to go? Everywhere is shut.
"The drivers are working as hard as they can to supply current demand's and they're not being recognised for their hard work, let alone being given the facilities they need to continue."
A 31-year-old lorry driver from Darent in Dartford has also seen circumstances change for truckers.
Ian Hodges has been a lorry driver for 13 years and admits circumstances for people in the industry has been a 'mixed bag' as of late.
He said: "I'm a construction based delivery driver for companies up in London, and things have been pretty normal, but due to the current circumstances my company has recently been undertaking some commercial deliveries, like soap powder, to help out.
"It's a weird time, three weeks ago things were hard, it wasn't easy finding toilet facilities that were open and things like that.
"I've also had some issues with various BP and Esso garages not serving me or letting us use their facilities.
"But things are getting better. Some companies are being better than others.
"I've been working in and around London mostly but Co-op garage's around Paddock Wood haven't been bad at all.
"Last week was defiantly better than it was when the lock down started. As a driver it's been nice, obviously roads are clearer as people are staying at home, so deliveries have been quiet smooth."
A facebook group called, Kent Hauliers & Drivers, has also had numerous posts shared and commented on regarding the treatment of lorry drivers during the lock down.
BP has been contacted for a statement.
