Coronavirus: Councils urged to carry health messages on refuse trucks

Councils across the UK are being urged to use their refuse trucks to carry public health advice about the coronavirus.

Vehicle graphics specialist Roadvert has teamed up with Public Health England to reproduce the Government’s ‘Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives’ artwork for use on fleets of refuse trucks.

Central Bedfordshire Council was one of the first local authorities to use the artwork, with 42 vehicles being fitted with the artwork this week.

Lawrence Craig, CEO of Roadvert, estimated that within the first week at least 200 vehicles will carry the life-saving message across the UK.

He said: “These are unprecedented times and we don’t know what to expect in the days, weeks or months ahead.

“But what we do know is that members of the public must stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

“We know that Government and the National Health Service are doing everything they can to get that message across, but everyone needs to do their part to help combat this outbreak and stem the spread of this deadly virus.

“Refuse vehicles are a powerful communication tool.  There is no other medium which goes down every street and every household in the same way. 

“I would therefore urge all councils across the UK to get involved with this campaign and help spread the crucial message to every home in their neighbourhood – this is about saving lives and we can only do that by following government advice to stay at home.” 

Roadvert has offered all its council clients two free banners designed by Public Health England.