Cemex has recognised the commitment of its LGV operators to safe, efficient and skilful driving at its annual Driver of the Year awards.

All 15 finalists came from Cemex sites across the UK and enjoyed a series of activities – on and off road – at the industry renowned vehicle test centre of Millbrook. These included an off-road driving challenge, legal knowledge quiz, reversing and manoeuvre test, Batak reaction challenge and defect test. 

Two overall winners were then announced; one each from the cement and aggregate divisions. This year’s victors were Tim Eley, a member of the cement driver team at Rugby and Gordon McKeen from Aggregates.

The awards are open to all of Cemex’s employed aggregate and cement tanker drivers.

Throughout the year records are kept of each driver’s fuel performance, incorporating their MPG rate and driving style, which are then used to select the finalists.

This was the third year of the awards, which are held in memory of Cemex driver trainer Keith Lacey, who was based at the South Ferriby site and was renowned for his passion for driving safely.

Rob Wilkinson, supply chain and logistics manager for aggregates and asphalt, said: “Our LGV drivers are a key part of our nationwide operation and it is important that we recognise their dedication to safety. This event is a fun celebration of the work they do, with an important message - we must always make safety our number one priority as failure to do so can have life-threatening consequences.

“We hope those who took part in the day enjoyed the activities. Well done to all the finalists, and Tim and Gordon in particular for being overall winners.”

Cemex is a global manufacturer of building materials and the biggest Mexican investor in the UK, with 3,000 people employed across 450 sites nationwide.

It is a leading provider of aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete and rail sleepers with annual sales of around £1 billion in the UK.