'These are people who play a large part in the truck network'
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CI
mminent changes to the regulations regarding LGV eye testing may leave as many as 3,000 one-eyed drivers wondering how long they will remain in work before they become just another group disregarded by the need to integrate further with those bureaucrats in Brussels.
As one of the crowd, I Feel something has to be said in defence of my 25 years' experience with a proven safety record and the maturity achieved from all that time behind the wheel.
These things cannot be bought or found in replacement drivers, of any age, who simply attain those eyesight standards through the use of two eyes, the combined standard of which will often not even match that of drivers with one eye. !personally have clocked up hundreds of thousands of miles in the UK and on the Continent after passing the old Class 1 test first time with monocular vision. Nothing has changed since that day. I question the ability of the Transport Minister to do his job when he is planning to remove so many experienced drivers from today's hazardous roads, to abolish their grandfather rights, simply because they are no longer approved by the EU. IF we are not safe, why are we still driving? If the changes are necessary, then why not across the board? Why let some continue driving, but stop others? There is no fairness in punishing some, who through no fault of their own, face having their livelihood removed. These are people who play a large part in keeping the truck network in operation. The Transport Minister underestimates employers—Few in today's highly competitive environment would trust their increasingly expensive vehicles and products to unsafe drivers. There has to be common ground between attempting to improve road safety, without being so destructive in the process. Surely in improving road safety and the road network the experience and knowledge of drivers is vital: those who have been there and done it! It is a shame and an utter disgrace that the services provided by so many, for so long, are to be repaid in such a dismissive manner when these skills and qualities are so badly needed.
One thing, however, that Mr Norris will never be able to take away is my clean driving record.,
• If you want to sound off about a road transport issue write to features editor Patric Cunnane.