Seen It All Now

On my return from my last job going down the A3, I came off at my junction had to stop at the roundabout. As I am at the junction waiting to pull out. I check traffic coming from the right and I can't believe what I saw.

I van with the side door open someone sitting inside with a sprayer boom held outside spraying what I presume to be the kerb!!!

I would imagine that it was a glyphosate to do the job that they where doing. I was right behind the van as I pulled out and he was doing between 15-20mph.

I'm not sure if the way they where spraying was legal ? Fast? yes, Efficient? unlikely, Safe? I doubt it.

Not sure if the particular company is a member here I would be interested to hear their view if they are. I am sure they will recognise this method of spraying.

I would have thought at that speed the spray would be going anywhere else except where it was supposed to be going.

They guy spraying just had a tyvek suit on no mask and a green safety helmet should he fall out and bonk his head.

Does anyone else know if companies spry like this?

I though it was bizarre and dangerous not only to the guy spraying but also anyone walking on the pavement.

I could be wrong of course and it is a perfectly legitimate way of spraying but not in my book.

Replies

Chris Jackson May 25, 2017 at 6:57pm

I've seen them round my way in a little Fiesta type van with the passenger sticking their arm out of the window spraying. Also they regularly ride round on quadbikes spraying as they go.
- PRO
  
  Richard Gadsby > Chris Jackson May 25, 2017 at 7:31pm
  
  Yes loads of quad bike spraying done here for lincoln city council so that must be legal! Or you would hope so
David Benson May 25, 2017 at 11:12pm

its not legal to sit in the back of a van when its moving
- PRO
  
  Gary RK > David Benson May 26, 2017 at 6:32am
  
  Surely it is illegal if the person is not in a seat and is not secured by a safety belt or the vehicle is not designed to carry a person in that compartment?
PRO Supplier

Progreen Weed Control May 26, 2017 at 10:48am

Oh lordy! I wonder if they are even qualified? I'm not sure there is a PA2-DODGY qualification on offer?

I am sure road safety law would trump environment/ spray legislation in this case, but I can't imagine they will be sticking to a 30cm swath along kerb edge at 15-20mph....!
PRO

Gary RK May 26, 2017 at 3:25pm

Curious - without mentioning names - were they in two tone green vehicles ?
- Chris Roberts > Gary RK May 26, 2017 at 6:01pm
  
  No Just a white van with company name on the side. Van had Highway Maintenance on the back with red\yellow stripes and amber lights flashing. If you OM me I will tell you the name.
Andy Harrold May 27, 2017 at 10:33am

Can't think it would be at all effective. Spraying at 15-20mph would definitely negate any calibration for the amount of glyphosate landing on the required area, plus the effect of wind blow caused at that speed. I've definitely seen the quads operating on pavements using a Lance to administer spray.
- Andy Harrold > Andy Harrold July 5, 2017 at 7:53pm
  
  Just seen this on the BBC News website today.
  
  Aberdeenshire Council probe after weedkiller sprayed from van - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-40506496