Warning lack of Clyde Tunnel staff could cause more accidents
Workers are exclusively telling us they're under more pressure than ever because their former colleagues are not being replaced.
Staff responding to accidents inside the Clyde Tunnel in Glasgow are telling us they are at breaking point because of growing workloads.
Workers in the facility above it monitor CCTV footage for accidents involving vehicles and cyclists, but say people who've left are not being replaced.
Tens of thousands of cars pass through the twin bores of the Clyde Tunnel each day.
Royal car exits the tunnel after Queen Elizabeth II had performed the opening ceremony in 1963.
Work on the air ventilators before the tunnel was opened.
Kevin Dynes has 38 years of service and exclusively told Clyde 1: "It is very stressful at the moment because we are short by three bodies.
"Most of us are taking on huge amounts of extra work which is difficult when trying to balance it with having a family life.
"My colleagues and I are struggling to get time off and our requests for annual leave are being declined because there are not enough staff to cover the shifts."
The Clyde Tunnel first opened in 1963 and around 65,000 cars pass through it every single day.
Chris Mitchell from GMB Scotland said: "There should always be a first aider on hand to help when accidents happen, but we don't have that just now due to the cuts.
"It is vital we have someone to respond straight away and I am very worried it could result in bad accidents turning worse.
"Our members are the first port of call when helping to get emergency services into the tunnel and the council must realise the important role they play."
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “There’s currently one vacancy in the Clyde Tunnel team and we hope to recruit into this position in the coming weeks.
“Taking overtime is entirely voluntary. If tunnel staff decline the offer of overtime, cover can be sourced from other parts of our roads team.
“First Aid training is being arranged for all staff. Our health and safety procedures are clear that medical support can also be accessed from the near-by Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, if required.”
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