New Scheme to Aid Driving Efficiency
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
COR the encouragement of driving 1' efficiency through the co-operation of insurance companies, which would issue efficiency certificates to drivers and allow rebates on the policies of operators employing certificated drivers, a scheme is being sponsored by the Federation of Yorkshire Road Transport Employers and the Lincolnshire Transport Association. At a meeting of the Federation, last week, under the presidency of Mr. Frank Thompson (chairman), of Leeds, authority was given to Mr. Harry Clark (manager and secretary) to approach insurance and trade union quarters. for the purpose of exploring the possibilities of the idea.
In a memorandum which he put before the meeting, Mr. Clark said the comprehensive insurance provisions in the Government haulage scheme must, of necessity, be of considerable benefit to the insurance companies, and it was, therefore, quite natural to ask what the companies would do in return to help the industry. Such help could be given through the scheme now submitted, which provided:— That all insurance companies mentioned in the Government haulage scheme shall establish a Central Bureau, which shall include a reliable reccrd 1:11 drivers' act;vities in the road-transport industry.
The Bureau to issue graded certificates to drivers on similar lives to the sole-driving
certificates awarded by the national safety first" organisation.
Drivers to be invited to become members of the Central Bureau, a fee being payable. A road-transport firm employing a driver certificated by the Bureau will he entitled to a graded special percentage rebate on the insurance policy covering the vehicle driven by this driver.
As accidents are reported to the insurance companies, the records of certificated drivers concerned will be endorsed at the Bureau. There may be cases where a driver's certificate will be withdrawn for a period.
* The road-transport employer, Mr. Clark submitted, would give preference to a certificated, driver, and may pay him a higher rate of wages provided the operator was assured of a reduction in his. insurance premium, plus efficient driving service' which obviated loss of
time, claims, etc. Such recognition would encourage drivers to apply for membership of the Central Bureau, and, • in time, it would have the effect of reducing accidents.
The scheme, which would be of benefit to the insurance companies, as well as to drivers and operators, was not in any way in, opposition to the national " safety first ". scheme of awards . for safe driving, but was intended to supplement it to the material benefit of all concerned.