9K Melte of Reigkeineto
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I refer to Mr I. M. Goni's letter (CM February 25). Although this company is in the private sector I consider that I should come to the defence of Freightliners as this company have used their services extensively over the past years and we have found their system quite unique.
I have had every co-operation from the management of their UK terminals, particularly Gushetfaulds, who recognize that with genuine co-operation road and rail can live profitably together.
Inevitably failures occur but, have found that Freightliners make every effort to rectify a situation even when the problem might be outwith their immediate responsibility.
B. C. KINSLEY, Managing Director Scot way Haulage Ltd Subsidiary of the Clyde Port Authority.
RHA members in Devon and Cornwall who operate large tipping vehicles (.ie eight-wheel rigid and articulated) can be counted on the fingers of your hands, and what I actually said to CM was that there are very few bulk tippers suitable for this fish traffic available in the area.
I still contend that many of the "foreign" vehicles which have invaded Plymouth are not suitable, as could be witnessed by Mr Miller if he cared to follow the tippers involved along the A38 and M5.
There has certainly been some improvement since the article in CM (January 28) so perhaps the word of the RHA does bear weight.
The object of my interview with CM was to point out to the operators and drivers involved that more care must be taken in the securing of their loads thereby eliminating the spillage of fish and fish water on the highway and causing "danger and nuisance" to other road users.
If the original situation had been allowed to continue here in the South West, it would have taken more than the RHA, Mr Miller or Mr Sayer to convince the general public that the lorry is the benefactor of society, not its enemy.
Finally, may I.be allowed to canvass Mr Miller's company into membership of the RHA as I am sure that his apparent energy and forthright speaking could be put to good use. BRIAN ELLIOTT
Secretary, Devon and Cornwall area Road Haulage Association complications of special licences. I cannot possibly see why there is a need to change the situation in this country, for surely one minibus carrying 12 people is safer than three cars each carrying four.
Its better for the environmental economy and safety, so why this movement to take away the freedom for an ordinary licensed driver to use such vehicles? Unless it's pressure from the coach companies to get themselves more business. There are no figures to suggest that minibuses are in any way more dangerous than cars, etc. My company operates a reasonable sized group of self-drive minibuses besides psv coaches and our experience is that they are very safe with an excellent accident rate.
The Common Market regulations are of course against minibuses but surely the reason we joined was to give that bureaucratic organisation the benefit of our famous common sense.
A tougher test for all vehicles must be a better system, than the introduction of yet another limited licence group.
R. B. KENDALL Manager, Kendall Cars, Guildford, Surrey.