Ask
the Contract Director!
We understand that as members of the public, you probably
have a lot of burning questions regarding the roads around Buckinghamshire.
Well, we’re giving you the opportunity to get your questions answered by
Transport for Buckinghamshire’s Contract Director!
In each blog post in this exciting new series, we will be
focusing on a different frequently asked question. This week, we’re answering:
Why can’t you just do your job properly?
Our operatives are lovely guys and you may see them out
and about across Buckinghamshire as they carry out their day to day duties and
repairs. Whilst you shouldn’t distract them from their work too much, they are
more than happy to tell members of the public about the work they’re carrying
out, advise on a closure they’re putting in place or similar.
However, our operatives do not have knowledge of all the
repairs and schemes being carried out across the county, nor do they have knowledge
of every single pothole or road defect in the county. They will not be able to
advise you of the status of your specific Fix My Street report or an ongoing
enquiry.
Sometimes, our operatives are the only ‘face’ of TfB you
will see, and so they can take the brunt of your frustration if you are being
delayed by roadworks. Sometimes, you might end up having a bit of a rant to
them about how long a job is taking, or why you have had to take a detour.
You might also disagree with the work an operative is doing. You might not understand why they're fixing this pothole, but not that one. You might not want to be stuck at the temporary signals they've put in place. You might just want to go about your day without TfB work interrupting it.
You might also disagree with the work an operative is doing. You might not understand why they're fixing this pothole, but not that one. You might not want to be stuck at the temporary signals they've put in place. You might just want to go about your day without TfB work interrupting it.
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| Just a handful of TfB operatives! |
We understand why people get frustrated by our works
sometimes, but please remember to respect
our workers at all times. They
are just trying to do their job, and they deserve to be treated respectfully
whilst doing so – just as you would expect at work. Too often we hear horror
stories of abuse that TfB operatives have suffered because a member of the
public isn’t happy about the works being carried out. Our operatives have had
bottles thrown at them, been squared up to and sworn at by members of the
public, pushed and shoved. They have even been driven at by angry drivers.
The abuse doesn’t stop at our operatives either – office based staff are often forced to deal with abusive messages on social media,
hate-filled emails and letters and angry telephone calls. Like our operatives,
they shouldn’t have to deal with this kind of behaviour just for doing their
job. No matter how frustrated you might feel, it’s worth taking a moment to
remember there is a real person at the other end of the phone or computer – a
person who doesn’t deserve to deal with being sworn at, being called names or
told they aren’t doing their job properly.
How
would you feel if it was you being treated this way? If
it was your partner, your child, your friend? You’d be appalled that they had
to suffer abuse whilst carrying out their day to day jobs.
Our operatives and staff are people’s partners, children
and friends. Above all else, they are all hardworking people with feelings who
deserve to be treated with respect. Please allow them the right to complete a
job without having to worry about their safety or wellbeing – and please show
them the respect they deserve.
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