Merton Council driver's

[Rancid]

Do they go on some special course on how to eff and blind at cyclists ?

Im filtering down the outside of a long line of cars (safely) at the junction of Longley and the A24.
There is a nice big cycle box at the lights, slap bang in the middle of it is a Metron Council truck.
Not a large refuse truck, i never seem to have any issues with them but one of the 7.5 ton caged trucks.

I go around him and position myself in front and close to the pavement.
i dont really want to get in the way of the cars they are all waiting at a red light and want to get shift on.
i take a glance at the Merton council truck and catch the glare of the passenger.

Windows goes down.
"what the FFFFF are you looking at"
Sorry ?
"whats your effing problem, you on an effing bike, how much effing space do you need"
Just wondering why you are in the cycle box ?
"effing cycle box what effing cycle box, what is it with you effing cyclists"
Ermm the big square type box with the picture on the bicycle panted on it, most probably put there by a work mate of yours ?

By this time all 3 of the blokes in the cab are effing and blinding like troopers.
it was like a dodge Harry and Paul sketch.
What i don't get is that is that's its 3 grown men In council outfits in a council van on council work.
Are council jobs that bullet proof that once your in, you can do as you like without fear of reprisal ?

As the lights changed i thanked the 3 men and wished they a good day picking up other peoples s**t.
That got me a close pass, but i was already turning left and on my way.

 

[Cubist]

"picking up other people's shoot."
You do know you're going to get flamed now don't you!

 

[dodd82]

Are council jobs that bullet proof that once your in, you can do as you like without fear of reprisal ?
.

Yes.

These days you pretty much have to kill someone intentionally to lose your job in the public sector.

 

[Poacher]

Yes.

These days you pretty much have to kill someone intentionally to lose your job in the public sector.

I was made redundant last November after nearly 30 years of good, productive work (not just my opinion; I was nominated for an award by the people I worked with). At 60 years old, I'm unlikely to find another job. Would you like to come round to my place and tell me to my face that I've "pretty much killed someone intentionally"? It might just come true.

@Rancid - hope you got the registration to report the buggers. Report the incident even if you didn't.

 

[HLaB]

Their reaction although arogant is the typical the typical result of ASL Farcilities. If the queue is not long enough I don't use them I cant be bothered with them spoiling my ride

Yes.

These days you pretty much have to kill someone intentionally to lose your job in the public sector.

Not any more with government cut backs, etc they are looking for an excuse to pay people off

 

[Rancid]

I was made redundant last November after nearly 30 years of good, productive work (not just my opinion; I was nominated for an award by the people I worked with). At 60 years old, I'm unlikely to find another job. Would you like to come round to my place and tell me to my face that I've "pretty much killed someone intentionally"? It might just come true.

@Rancid - hope you got the registration to report the buggers. Report the incident even if you didn't.

Sorry to hear about you being made redundant.
No i didn't report it, i didn't bother to take the reg.
If i had a camera then i would post the footage and make a complaint.

i would point out it wasn't a dangerous situation and i didn't feel in any way at risk.

 

[dodd82]

Not any more with government cut backs, etc they are looking for an excuse to pay people off

Agreed - I should have qualified my post with the fact that people must be paid off if they are sacked.

Gone are the days where an incompetent member of the staff in the public sector can be sacked because they're just not very good at their job.

It's pretty much like that in the private sector too these days.

 

[kipster]

Do report it, some council vans have gps trackers along with driving recorders in now so that they can monitor the style of driving to reduce fuel consumption and send the nearest crew to any urgent issue. If Merton have them they should be able figure out who was in the area at the time, whether they take any formal action is unlikely as no evidence other than your word, but it might be enough if they have form.