Restrictions Against Free Lifts
Page 20
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THE •fact that it is not always advisable to give free lifts on commercial vehicles must be recognized. The vehicles may be carrying loads of vital importance or of considerable value, and in such cases the safety aspect must be considered.
In this connection the National Road Transport Employers' Federation gives, in its September Bulletin, advice as to steps which should be taken by operators to relieve themselves of liability in respect of such lifts. It concerns the display of notices in the drivers' cabs and at the depots. Such notices help to negative the value of claims for any injury that may occur to passengers while travelling against the wishes of operators. A suitable -notice for the cab is to the effect that the driver has no authority to carry any passenger and is forbidden to do so. Any person riding upon the vehicle in contravention of this order will, therefore, he regarded as a trespasser. At the depot the notice should warn drivers that they have no authority to carry passengers without the express sanction in writing of the snanagement.
At the same time, we would impress uponoperators that where no danger to vehisles and loads is incurred, the public would greatly appreciate any assistance which can be given to them in the, way• of transport, particularly when the would-be passenger's business is urgent.