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Nick Matthews
Page 37
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Logistics manager
Panther Platform Rentals Luton, Beds Former traffic officer Matthews has been cynical to say the least about Vosa's suitability as a penalty collection agency under the new scheme.
He has voiced concerns that Vasa staff will be expected to produce results in terms of penalties by ministers keen to see the scheme is working.
Now, he fears that a number of companies will just absorb the cost of drivers' penalties, rather than contest them, simply because it's the 'path of least resistance'. "If you're paying a driver £30,000 a year, you need to keep the wheels rolling. The reason the fines start at just £30 is so not many people will contest them.
"Quite apart from the court costs if you lose, you also have to allow for the time it takes to gather evidence together from the driver, the transport manager, the depot manager etc."
As for foreign drivers, Matthews shares the view of Arthurton and other panel members that they should be made to appoint a British agent prior to entry.
A deposit of, say, £1,000 would then have to be held by that agent in case of any serious driving offences.
"The money they owed could then be deducted from the pot,"says Matthews. "It might just level things out a bit."