Licensing the hirers
Page 41
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Hugh Featherstone's letter (CM January 17) drew attention to the inequity of the current licensing system which leaves the entire responsibility for the conditions of rented vehicles with the hirer. It is not just the Freight Transport Association, however, which holds the view that the hiring companies should shoulder their share of responsibility.
This company has over 1,000 vehicles on contract throughout the country as well as a wide range of vehicles available for short-term rental. In common with many of the other large, national concerns, we have been constant supporters of the FTA in their campaign to introduce some form of licensing to the hiring industry. A minimum requirement would appear to be that safeguards are applied which ensure that inspections and servicing are adequate both in terms of their frequency and effectiveness.
We would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate the premises and facilities provided in support of our contract and rental fleets, and the inspection and servicing systems which are geared to the specific requirements of each operation. The recent survey must demonstrate how important it is for some form of control of maintenance to be introduced in this rapidly expanding field of transport.
S. M. DUFF Managing Director, Trans fleet Services Ltd, Stirling,