A TikTok user es outrage after a tense encounter at a Tesco petrol station, where staff enforced rules against mobile phone use during refueling. Chelsie Botting shares her side in a video that drew over 56,000 views, defending her actions amid a busy forecourt rush to work.
The Confrontation Unfolds
Chelsie describes staff signaling through the window and refusing to authorize her pump. The cashier emerged, appearing aggressive and shouting, she claims. The issue centered on her phone, used for Apple Pay and Tesco Clubcard while filling her tank.
‘The only reason I lost is because I needed fuel and had to hurry up for work,’ Chelsie states in the video. She questions the rule’s relevance: ‘Am I wrong in thinking that this rule is so outdated? Okay, don’t stand there on the phone while putting fuel in… but even my parents pay on their phones!’
She felt embarrassed as onlookers watched but stood firm, believing the staff member was rude or on a ‘power-trip.’
Public Weighs In
Many viewers side against Chelsie, citing safety protocols. One comments, ‘There is a risk of ignition from your phone, so she was doing her job to keep everyone safe. I think you should apologise.’
Another explains, ‘You aren’t meant to take your phone out. There are rules for safety.’ A third notes transaction data interference, while a former petrol station manager clarifies: ‘The no mobile phone rule is not about risk of ignition, but more around distraction. When fuelling, you need to be concentrating to avoid spillages.’
Some offer support, questioning proximity differences: ‘Is there much difference between having your phone in your hand/pocket/bag to having it less than a meter away in your car?’
Industry Safety Standards
Fuels Industry UK discourages mobile phone use on forecourts for two key reasons: distraction and potential sparking risks.
- Distraction: Phones divert attention from fueling or crossing amid moving vehicles, heightening accident risks for customers and pedestrians.
- Incendive Sparking: Phones lack certification for explosive atmospheres near pumps, nozzles, fill pipes, or vents during refueling or deliveries. Though low risk, they remain unsuitable.
Prohibited zones include:
- Vehicle filler points during refueling.
- Fuel dispensers, excluding designated non-hazardous areas.
- Tank fill points, vents, separators.
- Near unloading tankers.
Phone use remains permissible in shops, parked vehicles, or other non-hazardous forecourt areas. Tesco has not yet responded to inquiries.
