Spanner in the Works
Page 28
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ACCORDING to Mr. M. J. Miles, honorary secretary of the Lorry Driver of the Year Competition, the accessory and component manufacturers' section committee of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders have refused their members permission to present trophies for the competition. The immediate result is that an additive manufacturer, who had donated a trophy for the 'winner of one of the articulated classes, is prohibited from doing so, and another cup must be found.
The attitude of the S.M.M.T. towards the competition is difficult to understand. The event is not a sporting entertainment, but is designed to increase the professional skill of drivers of vehicles made by members of the Society. Even more important, it is aimed at reducing accidents and saving human life. These, surely, are objects which deserve the support, and not the obstruction, of the S.M.M.T. Commercial-vehicle manufacturers generally seem to be surprisingly reluctant to identify themselves with the interests of their customers in a number of ways. They should remember that their existence depends on an efficient and prosperous road transport industry, unhampered by excessive political control. Their individual positions are influenced also by the goodwill of drivers, whose opinions are increasingly heeded by operators in selecting vehicles.
The national organizing committee of the competition ask merely that individual members of the S.M.M.T. who have the interests of road safety and efficient driving at heart, should be allowed to give it such support as they think desirable. The organizers do not seek sponsorship. The competition is now financially able to stand on its own feet, but its expansion demands encouragement from those, such as manufacturers, who are able to give it.