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Case for Talks
Page 43
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TWO weeks ago, The Commercial Motor asked: "Is there a case for issuing a special driving licence to goods vehicle drivers?This week, on pages 76 and 77 eleven operators have their say on' the subject. What is immediately apparent is the strength of feeling and the unanimity of view in favour of such licensing.
What, perhaps, is more thought-provoking is trying to establish a reason behind this. Obviously, one cannot claim the views of eleven men as proof of what the whole industry thinks, but it can be advanced as prima facie evidence. On top of this, as reported elsewhere in this issue, the Traders Road Transport Association is reviewing the matter.
Responsible operators are more concerned to ensure safety than their public image sometimes suggests. Certainly there must' be an element. of self-protection inasmuch as an experienced, proven driver will normally get more mileage out of a vehicle, with greater safety, than a less reliable man.
Although all the necessary legislation is incorporated in the 1960 Road Traffic Act, it might not prove easy to start issuing special licences and—more to the point—testing applicants. What would be the position of existing employees? Should an overall h.g.v licence be issued or is there more need for a graded one?
There always have been valid Ministry objections, largely on the score of staff problems; but what seems to be the position? There is evidence that responsible operators favour the idea. The unions want it. The Ministry have the legislative power but apparently not the heart for the job.
Isn't it about time everybody got together on this?