Positive thinking on short drivers' hours
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COACH OPERATORS should modify their activities to take account of new drivers' hours regulations, according to Peter Rogers of the CPT's Coach and Independent Bus Sector.
In his annual report to the CIBS East Midland section, Mr Rogers said: "I can only say that it behoves us all to ensure compliance with the hours regulations by recruitment and training to ensure sufficient driving staff." He told members to alter their existing routes and schedules where necessary, and to make maximum use of driving resources within the law. He urged them also to revise costings in order to remain viable in these changing circumstances.
Mr Rogers continued: "The driving industry is probably the only one where we are urged and, indeed, legislated, to less productivity. "To some extent I wonder whether this has not come to pass because we have all tended to exploit our driving staffs too much. Is it not unreasonable that a driver should have only one day off a week?
"His counterparts in the general field of industry now work only a five-day week, and are pressing for a 35-hour week," he added.
Mr Rogers has also warned his members that fuel prices will rise rapidly in the course of the year to levels which the industry did not imagine even a few months ago.
"Not only will pump prices be high, but bulk buyers will not be able to negotiate such good discounts as hitherto."