The Jobsworth in Action!

The Highway Toll Booth

During this Summer there ocurred a number of fires in Spain. One such fire required the assistance of all hands, so dangerous and enormous was it. It devoured a whole mountain and threatened hundreds of homes in the area with a city just beyond. In other words, as emergencies go, this was about as serious as it can get.

One fire engine from a community that was at a distance went speeding on its way to give assistance. The fastest route was along the toll road. As it neared the entrance to the toll booth the operator opened the barrier and let the engine through without having to stop or get a ticket. That made all the sense in the world. However, when they wanted to exit the toll road the story was very different.

This would be a really funny story were it not so sadly serious. Here you are, a fire engine with siren warning all to pull over to the side and clear a path for us because we are trying to stop a fire from doing serious damage. Traffic makes a path for you, but you arrive at the barrier and the operator does not lift it. The siren is still screeching but the engine has come to a stop.  "OPEN THE BARRIER!" demanded the driver. Sir, you have to pay, says the simpleton jobsworth.

To the astonishment of absolutely every person who witnessed the incident, and probably all who have read or even heard about it, an argument developed between the driver, together with the firemen, urging this appparently absolutely moronic operator to open the gate and let the engine proceed.

With precious moments slipping away the driver finally paid with his own credit card and the engine went on its way.

Of course, that was not the end of it. It has not been reported as to what the outcome of complaints made to the roads management was, but I would bet money that the operator did not lose his job. I think if management recognised that the man was incapable of making the decision to treat emergency vehicles with discretion he would not have been replaced. His union would not hear of it. If such vehicles are to be given free passage management would have to put that in writing and specific instructions given to all employees.

As a result of the delay that obstructed the arrival of the engine team we can reasonably assume that more damage was caused that otherwise might have been limited. Street Justice can only hope that the operator will learn to his own chagrin what can happen when unnecessary obstruction is put in the way of those who are trying to help.

"What goes around , comes around."

Copyright (c) 2014   Eugene Carmichael