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Armoured and highly dangerousThe Daily TelegraphWednesday 28 May 2003 |
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 Safety threat - a Chubb armoured security van on a pedestrian crossing in Sydney |
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By MATT SUN – Commuter Reporter CHUBB armoured security vans are putting public safety at risk by repeatedly ignoring road rules and driving through pedestrian-only areas such as Martin Place and the Manly Corso. The dangerous practice continues to occur on Sydney footpaths and pedestrian crossings every day, despite assurances five years ago by Roads Minister Carl Scully that it would stop, and a request six months ago by Commonwealth Bank CEO David Murray for such action to stop. Last Thursday, it took one Chubb driver just 25 seconds to rack up traffic offences worth 18 demerit points - well over the 12-point limit - while driving through Martin Place. Video footage provided to by Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby shows a Chubb van stopping at a Martin Place bank. After making its drop, the van drives across the pedestrian-only Martin Place to Castlereagh St, where it almost hits a passing taxi on the road. The van then stops in the middle of a crossing, forcing about 30 pedestrians to walk in front and behind the van, before running a red light. A Chubb spokeswoman was shocked when told about the incident and said the company would look into the matter. She said “internal disciplinary action” was taken against drivers who breached company policy. On December 17, 2002, CBA corporate relations boss Jill Lester, on behalf of Mr Murray, agreed Chubb's behaviour was “unacceptable”. “We wrote last week to our provider of cash delivery services bringing the issue to their attention and requesting that their drivers cease the dangerous and illegal practices you highlighted,” Ms Lester stated in a letter. A CBA spokesman yesterday said: “We'll look at this matter again now in light of the latest concerns raised by the action .” “We’ll look at the matter again now in light of the latest concerns raised by The Daily Telegraph,” he said. Mr Scruby also has asked Mr Scully to implement a penalty for parking in a pedestrian zone and says he has been pursuing the matter since 1997. ______________________________________________________________ How security driver clocked 18 points IN less than half a minute, this Chubb driver appears to have committed these offences: Overtake or pass stationary vehicle at pedestrian crossing or children's crossing - 3 points Fail to stop or give way at pedestrian, children's or level crossing -3 points Disobey traffic light-3 points Negligent driving - 3 points Not give proper signal when drawing out from side of road - 3 points Not drive within single marked lane or line of traffic - 3 points TOTAL -18 points ___________________________________________________________ In what other ways are pedestrians put at risk in Sydney? >> Fax The Daily Telegraph on 9288-2608 or go to www.dailytelegraph.com.au |
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 Letter from Mr David Murray (via Jill Lester) CEO Commonwealth Bank - 17 Dec 02 |
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 WorkCover - Cash in Transit - Code of Pratcice - Kate McKenzie - 20 Dec 2002 |
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 WorkCover - Letter from GM Kate McKenzie - Cash in Transit - Code of Practice |
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 Armaguard - Memorandum from Dennis Hatton - 27 April 2000 |
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 Minister Carl Scully's (via Reba Meagher) letter re Cash in Transit - 2 May 2000 |
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 Q&A - Legislative Assembly - 12 Nov 1997 - Minister Carl Scully's reply |
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 NRMA letter re Armoured Vehicles - 2 September 1997 |
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