Paul Neal, Logistics Supervisor and HGV Driver at O’Donovan Waste Disposal has won the prestigious Driver of the Year award at the Future Fleet Awards that took place at London’s Guildhall last week. The awards ceremony followed on from the LAPV Future Fleet Forum event and was hosted by The City of London seeing Fleet and Transport Managers from the public sector and its contracting organisations come together to address key challenges faced by the industry.
The awards recognise the most innovative strategic, safety, and sustainability initiatives in the UK fleet management sector. The categories are judged by an expert panel with extensive knowledge and expertise in fleet management. Paul was chosen for being an exemplar role model of safety and best practice and for demonstrating a level integrity and customer care that was second to none as well as his dedication to working in the community to share his road safety knowledge.
Paul has worked at O’Donovan Waste for 22 years and is a full time HGV driver as well as being Logistics Supervisor for the multi award-winning waste management company. He helps train and provide ongoing guidance to O’Donovan drivers and new starters, ensuring all staff are confident and prepared to operate to the highest standard possible. Paul is also heavily involved in O’Donovan’s community work where he represents the company promoting road safety best practice and sharing his knowledge with other road users through O’Donovan’s educational safety programmes. O’Donovan’s safety sessions include taking lorries to community events and local schools, providing access to the cab so that participants can experience the view from the lorry, helping children be more aware and safety conscious when walking or cycling.
MD of O’Donovan Waste, Jacqueline O’Donovan commented: “Paul is an excellent ambassador for our company as well as for the driving profession. He is hard-working, dedicated and always happy to get involved in our road safety and training initiatives. He is a hugely valued colleague and member of our team and we are delighted that he has been recognised with this award.”
Paul Neal said: “I am absolutely delighted – Professional driving standards have changed so much for the better in recent years and is no longer just sitting in a vehicle and getting from A to B. I am proud to accept this award on behalf of all HGV drivers working to make a difference and raise the bar in our profession. Another aspect that I love being involved with is the community events and having the chance to help kids understand and learn about road safety and sharing the road is very rewarding.”