Money well spent?
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orry drivers may be stressed by congestion but it the Transport and General Workers Union that has managed to make my blood really boil.
No doubt the TGWU report highlighting how badly commercial vehicle drivers are affected by the pollution and hassle of being stuck in traffic will increase awareness of our problems (CM 3-9August). But is it right to spend our subscriptions on producing research that will be used to push the Government to cut hauliers' jobs?
Bill Morris might have decided that less freight on the road will mean a healthier life for those left with a driving job, but he seems to be naive if he thinks his arguments are really going to persuade this turkey to vote for Christmas, I plan to keep working as hard as I can to keep hold of my job—with or without the help of my union.
C Axton Sidcup, Kent.
There's rules and rules...
T read the report on Edcrest i(CM 3-9 August) with interest. Bearing in mind the alleged list of shortcomings, it seems quite remarkable that a licence should have been granted.
As a new business trying to obtain the necessary permit, we had to prove ourselves "fit and proper" persons in character and financial terms, with stern warnings against offences and possible loss of licence.
After two years, on seeking a major variation, we were subjected to an even closer scrutiny, special attention being paid (and rightly so) to maintenance records.
Is it that the "big boys" with lots of trucks are above the rules to be followed by the small hauliers?
John Grimes, Managing director, Sidelines Transport
Lane solution
After witnessing two exceptionally bad cases of lane indiscipline this week and the severe congestion caused by roadworks near Leicester Forest East services on the MI I write to offer a solution.
Roadworks often cause long tailbacks with LGVs being forced on to the hard shoulder. Although the Department of Transport has gone some way towards easing congestion by using the hard shoulders, it is about time it went the whole way and used lane disciplines a mile or so back from the roadworks, on a carriageway to be shut.
Traffic would then be more free flowing through the works. Police cameras could be used to capture offending motorists on film.
AC Buckman Dover, Kent.
Commercial Motor welcomes readers' letters, which can be phoned in on 0181-652 3689 (24-hour service) or faxed on 0181-652 8969. They may be edited for length and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor,