B.R.S. "30" Working a Far Prospect
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AfiONTHS may elapse before British IV' Road Services are operating heavy vehicles at schedules based on the raising of the speed limit from 20 m.p.h. to 30 m.p.h. This is because negotiations are proceeding at local level throughout the country on how the new limit, together with a 10-hour day with a 15-per-cent. pay rise, is to be implemented.
Broad terms for working at 30 m.p.h. have already been agreed (The Commercial Motor, June 14), but practical countrywide concurrence at local level must precede their adoption.
Particular difficulty is being experienced in working out means for improving the conditions of drivers of vehicles weighing under 3 tons unladen engaged on parcels services. These men work to an incentive bonus, and the problem arises as to how they can do as much work in 10 hours, instead of 11 hours, as their vehicles are not affected by the change in the speed limit. It has been agreed that their conditions should be enhanced together with those of drivers of heavy vehicles.
A similar problem is involved in connection with drivers on certain contracts. A B.R.S. officer told The Commercial Motor this week that he could not' foresee when their vehicles would work to 30 m.p.h. schedules. There was no suggestion that the trade unions were dragging their feet in the negotiations.