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AlotorP Does someone in the industry deserve a pat on the back, or a dressing down. Drop us a line at Commercial Motor, Room H205, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS or fax us on 0181652 8969. Alternatively you can e-mail us on Miles.Brignall@rbi.co.uk MUDDYING THE WATERS
I read with interest the comments of the Retail Motor Industry Federation's Mike Mudie concerning grey imports; particularly the point regarding the "lack of extended warranties on imported vehicles".
It really was a nice try, but does he really think that his customers fail to realise they have to pay for extended warranties? Anyone who takes the view that they can save several thousands of pounds by importing a truck will know that, with part of the saving, they can cover the costs they may incur by taking out insurance. After all, that, in effect, is what the vehicle assemblers and dealers do to provide the so-called "extended warranty".
I recall the then British Leyland introducing "Supercover". A wonderful scheme. Tell the customer you're giving him something and then charge him for it The man who thought that out really earnt his bonus that year!
For those hauliers who do import their vehicles, don't forget that you are not reliant on the dealers to service your vehicles. There is a healthy independent service sector, backed by an efficient independent parts distribution network— namely members of the Automotive Distribution Federation. Brian Sprott, Chief executive, Automotive Distribution Federation.
• PS With regard to your test of the Mercedes-Benz Vito, I still drive on the left and they do so in Ireland. I did once try driving on the right, before taking my car to the Continent, but everyone hooted and flashed their lights at me!
• The Vito feature in CM25 Feb-3 Mar was mainly about the UK version of the van, but the leading photo was taken in Germany—Ed.
FAX THE DEPOTS' MPs
I write to thank you for drumming up much needed support for all the crucial transport issues our industry currently faces.
Your draft letter helped focus the minds and attentions of the people in power and I would just like to add one further suggestion to your efforts.
I suggest operators should obtain the MPs' names for every depot where they have operations, and not just the head office. This way we will reach many more MPs with the campaign. After all, we employ many of their constituents in whichever area we work. Michael Daly, DTS Logistics.
THE MESSAGE WRIT LARGE
I would just like to put straight any misinterpretations of the picture of my slogan (CM4-10 Feb). This is my personal message to the powers that be in Government; it is not designed to undermine but to merely support the hard work and effort of the "Fair Play on Fuel" campaign which the RHA and hopefully every single member supports.
Many others, such as TransAction and other haulage-linked groups, are trying extremely hard to save the "British Road Haulage Industry".
can't believe how many are prepared to sit back in hope instead of uniting and to fight our one common problem— FUEL COSTS.
I do hope that no one will be complacent because my slogan is not right. If you have anything to say, write it big and clearly on your truck.
Paul Fez, Cambridge.
Sae also Sound 911, page 48.
MIXED SUCCESS
I write to you following the recent RHA/FTA/Trans-Action London rally.
After spending the majority of the afternoon walking around Parliament Square with fellow hauliers getting our message across in a quiet and peaceful manner, we all had the opportunity to listen to Owen Paterson and Francis Maude in the House of Commons.
After listening to a wellInformed Mr Paterson, who has done an excellent job so far, I could not help but think he had gained a serious number of votes from the haulage industry, but not at the cost of the votes from the rest of the population for his party.
I say this because we were all told firmly that we should not take our dispute on to public roads, inconveniencing the rest of the population. "It's just as Mr Blair wants," declared Paterson.
I think not. We as an industry are more important than the miners. Our picket lines would not be at the gates of a colliery where very little inconvenience was caused, but on the roads, where in a short time the country would be in a crisis. No Prime Minister would relish that.
The rally made very little media news: yet again Labour ministers were invited and did not attend. In short, our day in London had little impact.
But it was encouraging enough to see so many people in Parliament Square, and there is no doubt that we should stay together with this campaign. I shall reserve judgement on the success of the day until the Budget. Gary Pittaway, Pitta way Transport.
DARKEST HOUR LOOMS
Britain's hauliers unite! Fight the injustice! Well, er, possibly a thousand did, and that's a start. Well done to those who attended the Westminster rally.
I suspect many of those who didn't come didn't write to their MP either. Do you really believe it's a waste of time? As yourself not what your industry can do for you, but what you can do for your industry. This is our darkest hour. Our European neighbours are coming for our business. They are bringing lower-priced and lower-taxed trucks, their own lower-taxed fuel and, unlike their own governments, ours won't even bother charging them to wear out our overtaxed roads! The roads we UK hauliers have paid for, over and over again, year after year. If you don't wake up and protest soon, there won't be enough of us left to protest.
Wandering around Parliament Square on Wednesday, I heard some say that the next step had to be blockades. I rave no desire to blockade; I have no desire to be arrested. But I have a strong desire to be heard by those who matter.
I fear a thousand of us lobbying and "walking" will not be enough. They must be made to realise it's not just we bosses who will lose, there are British jobs being lost!
The Lawrence report being published on the same day, no doubt rightly cost us valuable publicity. Next time, well have to hope for a slow news day!
But next time, hope for two thousand hauliers. Come on, we've always fought each other on price. We've always fought the cowboys. Now is the time to fight Euro injustices. Ether we're in Europe or we're not. Either way, we must have fair play. If you can't come to the next protest, send a driver, a fitter, a traffic clerk. Keep writing to your MP. Write to Gordon Brown.
Well done to CMfor the support. Well done TransAction and the PHA. This was my first time; it won't be the last, I fear.
David Helms, Holmes of Heathrow.