FM( — just a month to go
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• Next month's Commercial Motor Fleet Management Conference in London promises to provide a platform for new initiatives in road safety. Its theme is Profit Through Safety and several leading figures have been engaged to explain how they believe operators can profit, directly and indirectly, through safer vehicle operation.
Brian Veale of BP Oil will outline his company's approach to the subject, while Terry Goldrick of the Freight Transport Association will give a more general view on the benefits of a well-controlled vehicle inspection and maintenance system.
The paper by John Adams is likely to be one of the most controversial. Adams is the author of the book "Risk and Freedom" in which he explains why he believes "the principal achievement of road safety regulation has been a redistribution of the burden of risk from vehicle occupants to pedestrians and cyclists."
If there is one man who will disagree strongly with that opinion it is Roads and Traffic Minister Peter Bottomley. He will be giving the keynote speech at Fleet management conference.
The recent controversy over the interpretation of the new drivers' hours regulations is expected to be thoroughly aired in an "any questions?" session with Glyn Samuel, RHA national chairman, Reg Dawson, former head of the DTp Road Freight Division, Jack Ashwell, of the Transport and General Workers' Union, and Jackson Moore, of the United Road Transport Union, on the panel.
Bob Adamson from Lancashire Constabulary will be presenting a paper at FMC on accident investigation but he is sure to be brought in to the drivers' hours discussion too.
The conference chairman is to be John Mather, chief executive of NFC.
The 23rd Commercial Motor Fleet Management Conference will be held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, on Thursday, February 5. The delegate fee is £80.50 (to include lunch).