COMMENT
Page 8
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Too much pressure
The extent to which driver David Gill was pushed beyond both his own limits and those of the law by his employer John Goddard is frightening. That such massive disregard for the law and for employed drivers still exists in this day and age is a disgrace to our industry which must be stamped out.
If there is one lesson to be learned from this tragic case it is that operators caught pushing their drivers beyond the safe and legal limits face stiff penalties. Citing pressure from customers is no excuse: it remains the 0-licence holder's absolute duty to ensure that his business is properly and safely run, whatever lunatic demands customers might make. Entering into contracts with such customers is, in itself, an act of foolishness that will cut no ice with a court or a TC.
In this case, at least, it looks as if the driver will be well compensated for the horrific consequences. We certainly hope so. But while a sixfigure payout might make up for David Gilts lost earnings, nothing could compensate him or his family for the mental and physical trauma he has already been through—and that which undoubtedly awaits him as he I continues trying to rebuild his life.
• "Untested, unpopular, unworkable and unfair," say the Tories of Ken Livingstone's plan to introduce congestion charging in London by 2003. And for hauliers delivering to the capital, at least, they're right. If operators are not granted an exemption from this tax, Ken had better be right about easing congestion if he isn't to find himself facing a swift and stiff backlash. Whatever happens, London-bound hauliers must make it their priority to pass on the costs to their clients.