ATA and NSW police join drivers for coffee with a cop

ATA and NSW police join drivers for coffee with a cop

The Australian Trucking Association in partnership with officers from NSW Police joined drivers at BP Parkes today for Coffee with a Cop. The initiative aims to help truck drivers and other road users ask questions, clarify issues and address concerns directly with police officers in a positive and informal way. “This is the third time we have held Coffee with a Cop and it’s proven to be as successful as ever,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire said today. “Truck drivers have told us time and time again how beneficial these kinds of events are and how important it is for road users and police officers to understand each other. 
“Sometimes road users have misconceptions about police and vice-versa, so it’s a great opportunity for each to share their side of the story. “It’s also a perfect chance for the ATA to hear from drivers and understand their on-road concerns first hand,” he said.

Mr Maguire was joined by Chief Inspector Phillip Brooks from NSW Police who spoke to truck drivers over a free coffee about staying safe on the roads, while acknowledging the hard work undertaken in doing their job. “After our initial launch at BP Marulan, it was great for us to catch up with drivers, operators, and those companies that operate in and around Eastern Creek, which services the bulk of the NSW Freight Network,” Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the NSW Police, Traffic & Highway Patrol Command said. “We know our heavy vehicle drivers are at the forefront on our roads, often calling Emergency Services to crashes, delivering first aid to victims at the roadside, managing traffic around scenes, and providing valuable evidence in road safety incidents. “This is a great way to say thank you for their service, over a Coffee with a Cop,” 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 Parkes is a clear example of this. 

SOURCE: Australian Trucking Association