Cost or independence?
Page 56
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We were extremely interested in Dr John Gilbert's comment at the recent CM Fleet Management Conference, advocating an improvement in rest and refreshment facilities for lorry drivers.
Doubtless, a number of your readers who make runs to the booming port of Felixstowe will be familiar with the Routemaster Motel.
This motel operated by the Securicor Group was completed in 1973 with the lorry driving community wholly in mind; the facilities in the 75-room motel with its bar and self-service restaurant catered not only for the wellbeing and the relaxation of the drivers, but also for the security of their loads.
Much to our regret, the staff and the security equipment installed to safeguard the loads in the two-acre truck park were withdrawn due to lack of custom. We can only put such reticence down to the independence of the drivers who, on the whole, enjoy their unrestricted freedom.
However, we do publicise the motel, which has Les Routier recognition for its accommodation and catering, as well as one of the few self-service diesel sites in the country. It may be that such unfamiliar facilities for the lorry driver are regarded with suspicion, perhaps for being too expensive. The answer is that though thoroughly modern the accommodation is comfortable and without frills, thus keeping the cost to levels acceptable to any transport manager.
MICHAEL JOYCE, Consultants Ltd, Trafalgar Square, London.