Part-tin-le coach drivers
Page 46
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
I feel I must take up certain points in the letter from -Mr L. J. Smith of the Transport and General Workers Union (CM, October 10).
With regard to the study carried out by Dr T. J. Hunt, no details were supplied to him by the Confederation. Certain operators agreed to place their records freely at his disposal and his analysis is scientific and impartial. He is a man of international reputation in the field a road accident research.
It is significant that, of 20 coach accidents given national publicity in !recent months, only three involved a part-time driver.
Contrary to the T&GWU*s allegation, general experience of operators of all kinds throughout the pry industry is that " paratime " drivers are just as safe as " regular " drivers. In both categories, seine are better than others, of course. Incidentally, despite Mr Smith's remarks, it is standard practice in the majority Of traffic areas for evidence of :continuity of driving experience to be required by the Traffic Commissioners before a new psv licence is issued without a further test. The driver must have driven buses or coadies during the period of currency of his previous pay driver's licence, which must not have expired more than 12 months before the application.
It is not opinion but facts which count in examining this vital aspect of Toad safety. A. A. TOWNSIN, Technical Executive, Confederation of British Road Passenger Transport, London. WC2.