Shortsighted rules in Brussels
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Iwould like to comment on the article concerning the new eyesight regulations, due to be implemented in July 1996 (CM 19-25 October).
I am one of the 3,000 drivers mentioned who will in all probability lose their licences, due to no fault other than a directive from Brussels. It is unjust and certaintly unjustified_ Have any statistics been produced showing what percentage of visually impaired truck drivers are the cause of, or have caused accidents, compared with similar car drivers? If safety is the main concern, then logically, car drivers should also be subjected to these regulations.
Legislation passed through Parliament is usually nonretrospective but these new regulations are retrospective, showing the contempt that Brussels has for EU member state legislatures. The new regulations will metaphorically "drive a motor unit and trailer" through existing British legislation, without any mention of compensation for the loss of rights of many professional drivers.
The trade organisations and other interested groups should act now to attempt to prevent the implementation of these draconian measures, otherwise the Greek maxim of "democracy breeds despotism" will be shown to be true.
All drivers affected by the regulations should lobby against the directive as a matter of urgency.
Martin Searle
Higher Rosudgeon Farm, Prussia Cove Lane, Rosudgeon, Cormval
Wages are not everything
T t's all very well the unions /arguing for a 15-per-hour
minimum wage for drivers (CM 5-11 Oct). There aren't many drivers who would disagree with that—although some of us are already lucky enough to be getting paid more. But just as important is that the conditions should be right—what you are asked to do for your £5 an hour is one of the key things.
Too many drivers in this country are breaking hours laws, weights regulations and heaven knows what else with the full knowledge of their employers.
Worse, some drivers are expected by their employers to break these laws. In some cases the pressure to do so is so strong that it is really a question of do it this way or find another job.
If the union gets something done about this pressure to break the law, as well as pay, then we'd really be getting somewhere.
Name and address supplied.
Ernie Jones
Iwish to inform you that Ernie Jones, from Northern Ireland, passed away on 21 October. Ernie was for some time a driver with Montgomery Transport. He was well-known for the charity and benefit evenings he organised for both drivers and others who had fallen ill or on hard times.
Ernie had a great love for country and western music and will be sadly missed around the music scene. He leaves a wife, Jean, and a grown-up family.
Datmeke Neale
Daume Freight Haulage, Scarborough.