. . . but RHA objects to light vehicle exemptions
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• In its comments to the Ministry of Transport on the proposed exemptions and concessions in the new driving hours rules, the Road Haulage Association states that it can see no reason why light vehicles used on services and for other purposes should be exempt. It comments that operators of these vehicles have already been absolved from the need to keep records, and feels that the proposed additional privilege will make control even more difficult.
It considers that the proposed exemption for Post Office vehicles at peak periods is prompted more by the fact that the operator is a public corporation than by the nature of the goods or the circumstances of the work. Failing the cancellation of this concession, the RHA considers that it must be extended to apply also to carriers transporting mail under contract to the Post Office.
The concession for milk collection operations is welcomed, but the Association asks for the regulations to be re-worded so as to apply not only to drivers regularly engaged on milk collection, but to any drivers who might have to do such work for part of a week in the absence of the regular driver.
Problems connected with carrying perishable goods also need attention, says the RHA; for example, if' refrigeration plant on a vehicle is not working properly the driver should have dispensation to complete his deliveries with a minimum of delay. Similar dispensation is requested for drivers carrying goods which may become obnoxious if transit cannot be completed in a single day.