H.G.V. Licences?
Page 23
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IS there a case for issuing a special driving licence to goods vehicle I drivers once they have shown competence to drive commercial vehicles? The views of a leading union official, as exclusively recorded on page 50 of this issue, raise the question because he thinks there is indeed a case. The union man is Jack Wood, well-known in the North West as commercial transport trade group secretary, No. 6 region.
There were, of course, heavy goods vehicle driving licences until the 1939-45 war broke out. They have not been issued since. The 1960 Road Traffic Act, Part V, makes full provision for their use, although the Minister of Transport has never invoked the relevant sections of the Act. Since the Act was passed, there have been several inconclusive answers to Parliamentary questions on the Subject, bit it is always possible that the Minister of Transport will bring forward proposals.
Just what effect such licences would achieve is difficult to forecast. Standards might rise, the public image of transport might improve. Smaller operators would be provided with a yardstick by which to judge would-be employees. There is no strong case against them.
But enforcement is the key. Already the Licensing Authorities' are overburdened. They need more enforcement staff for the work on hand. Would there be much point in putting one more regulation on to employers shoulders if it was unlikely to be enforced? In any event, is there a stronger case for this than there is for a real enforcement drive on offenders against existing laws?