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CROWDED CABINS

13th April 2000, Page 22
13th April 2000
Page 22
Page 22, 13th April 2000 — CROWDED CABINS
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

When are drivers going to be treated like real human beings? if any readers have had the misfortune of travelling from Bootle to Belfast on Norse Irish Ferries (NIF) they will know how unpleasant it is to be crammed with up to three other drivers in a tiny cabin with a floor space of approximately 9ftx3ft. At it takes is for one person to spend the night snoring and three drivers get no sleep but still have to drive their vehicles the next day.

Representing a number of drivers I work with I have had several meetings with NIF to try to get a limit of two drivers to a cabin, but to no avail. I then contacted the Heath and Safety Executive, the Department of Transport and the Coastguard Agency, but as

the accommodation meets the requirements of the Merchant Shipping Regulations they tell me there is nothing they can do.

Do we have to wait until a driver comes off the ferry and falls asleep at the wheel causing a terrible accident before something is done to ensure a driver gets a proper night's rest?

A lithe pressure from our bosses could force ME to improve our situation. After all, when one of our managers has to spend a night away from home, does he book a single room in a hotel, or does he decide to share with others to save money?

I don't think you'll need my help answering that one.

Jim Taylor,

knotbnalay, West Yorkshire. additional lamps are required on each side of the vehicle at 2m intervals: this should read 3m intervals.

Second, in the section on triangular rear reflectors, you say such reflectors are no longer a mandatory requirement. This is wrong: triangular reflectors must still befitted.

In addttion, where you say with regards to end-outline marker lamps that those at the front must be mounted at least level with the top of the windscreen, the regs actually suggest that the top edge of the end outline marker lamp must always be above the top of the glazed area of the windscreen.

Flexible Lamps has circulated a free booklet for the past nine years which outlines the lighting installation requirements within the UK Road Vehicle lighting Regulations for trucks and trailers. Any CM reader interested 41 getting a copy should contact our technical department on 01279 409406. Lee Rush,

Project team manager, Flexible Lamps, Harlow, Essex.

Tags

Organisations: Coastguard Agency
Locations: Bootle, Belfast

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