B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Training / Qualification; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Vehicle
Company Policy; Human Factors; Procedure
Ramp control cleared us into the gate on the North taxi line and cleared us to park. A vehicle was parked on gate lead in line and took several minutes to move. As the vehicle cleared and I began to move for parking; the same vehicle crossed back over the extended centerline. Up to four or five other vehicles crossed the lead in line for with me starting and stopping the taxi to the gate. Each time a vehicle was in the way; I came to a stop and another radio call was made to ramp. I flashed my taxi lights to these vehicles to gain attention without effect. The process to park at took five minutes due to ground personnel improperly crossing in front of the aircraft after I started the turn for the lead in line. One driver was queried after arrival and did not appear to know policy or procedure for safe vehicle movement around aircraft. This same driver was observed on our departure (same aircraft) from this gate driving within 15 FT of the aircraft at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour. I called Ramp Control and described the safety issue with this after arrival. The response was that this happens often here. These ground workers need to be retrained and monitored for compliance [with operational SOP]. Personnel who do not or will not comply with safety procedures for ground vehicle movement around taxiing and parking aircraft should be removed.
A B737NG Captain was effectively blocked from taxiing into his assigned gate when multiple vehicles refused to grant right of way as he approached on the lead-in line. Additional training and monitoring of ground crew compliance was cited as a viable fix.