In an age where driver retention and recruitment in our industry is particularly hard, we should be looking at facilities provided by event locations alongside the other aspects of the industry.
Recently in January we were called upon to provide transport to Sheffield Arena for the Young Voices concerts. This involved the drivers arriving with their guests at the arena for 1330hrs. The departure time is stated as 2115hrs. As you can imagine sitting in a coach on a cold damp January evening is not ideal for eight hours.
On asking for entry to the facilities on site, the drivers were told it wasn't possible. Resorting to Facebook, our driver asked again and met with the response “it isn't policy that drivers can or can’t use the facilities, it is just down to availability or suitability at the time of request”.
In the 21st century is this what we expect our employees to be subjected to? Trying to keep warm with engines running, and finding a discreet area as a WC?
Without these drivers there would be no means of the children travelling to this event and many other similar events. Could venues and attractions show a little bit of respect and allow them access to basic facilities? Although on this particular occasion it is Sheffield Arena that is cause for complaint, there are many other such venues that treat our drivers in the same dismissive manner.
I am sure that schools and clubs travelling to these types of venue would not appreciate a rise in cost of hire to allow our drivers to travel to facilities or even return to depot between journeys, so please let them know about these complaints and maybe, just maybe they will listen.
Simon Read,
Transport Manger,
Marshalls of Sutton-on-Trent,
Newark,
Nottinghamshire
