DRIVERS-A CLASS APART?
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Lorry drivers are now not just second-class but sixth-class citizens, if you please, according to the latest Government-commissioned report. But anyone must see that this is far from fair and that lorry driving is among the most important jobs in society today. Not only is the average driver a skilled worker but his day-to-day job calls for responsibility far beyond the level suggested by the typical pay packet. The driver of any goods vehicle is not only entrusted with an expensive vehicle, often carrying an expensive load. He also carries your reputation with him, and your future. If he happens to throw a wobbler as he does so, lives, loads, livelihoods and reputations can all be lost in a flash. Can the same really be said of traffic wardens, who apparently share the same class, or of plumbers, who actually sit in a higher class according to the new report? Add to this the ongoing responsibility of not just getting to his destination on time, but of keeping within the rules of the road and drivers' hours regulations, and avoiding hijackers, immigrants and smugglers during international journeys, and it's clear the driver's lot far outweighs the traffic warden's in terms of responsibility. Anyone who doubts the importance of the lorry driver's role should just imagine a society without them. Perhaps the people behind this report need to come down from their ivory towers and do a job-swap with a few drivers for a while to see what the real world is like. But we forget, they wouldn't have the necessary qualifications... From our next issue, the price of Commercial Motor will rise by 5 p to £1.40. We've delayed the increase as long as possible but at still less than the price of most pints, CM continues to give you the crucial information you need every week to help keep you profitable, professional and legal.