Slow response
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Iwould like to express my disgust at the City & Guilds Institute and the DVLA for the retarded response in processing the examination results and licences for ADR/PGR certification.
We are in the process of employing drivers for our chemical distribution business; however, there are very few available drivers with the correct ADR certification. If we were to employ only the candidates with the relevant qualification we would possibly prejudice our own judgement and overlook some very experienced and capable drivers. We have therefore decided to arrange training for the unqualified new personnel on introduction to the company.
After consulting several organisations to arrange the training we find that results of examinations and also receipt of the licence is taking more than three months. In real terms this means that the new drivers will not legally be able to carry out the job they were employed for until receipt of certification. This in turn puts financial constraints on the employer faced with carrying the new employees for an unspecified time, and also by holding back development of the business. Geoff Hill, Rase Distribution, Langworth, Lines.
Rules on glasses
Irefer to recent paragraphs concerning revised eyesight requirements for vocational drivers which appears patently unfair to existing drivers. Could you please advise why the change is being made.
Although I am aware that eyesight rules for new LGV/PCV drivers have been tightened up, the rules for existing drivers have allowed for professional driving, with the aid of spectacles if worn, with the proviso that such drivers should carry a spare pair of spectacles. I can understand the need for strict rules governing LGV/PCV drivers with heart conditions, diabetes and physical disabilities in so far that these conditions could cause a sudden accident, endangering other road users or themselves. But I cannot recall any evidence being published of accidents being caused by vocational drivers who wear glasses, because of their eyesight.
C West, Rainham, Essex.
1-1The reason given by roads minister Steven Norris for the changes in the DOT consultation document is that they are not introducing higher standards but expect every road user to conform to the current minimum levels. He says: "We have a right to expect that drivers who cannot meet certain minimum eyesight standards would not be allowed to continue driving just because they happened to obtain their licences before those standards were introduced." For more details contact the DOT Public Enquiry Unit on 0171-276 0800. See also CM 25 November-1 December 1993 and CM December 2 1993 for more information on this subject—Ed