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May I use your columns to publicise an injustice which I feel should be considered by the Department of Transport?
Page 45
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My husband was in the haulage business for 20 years, in partnership with me from 1975. Sadly, he was killed in a wagon early this year. I am a widow with two young children, who badly needs to earn a living, but is not able to leave the home.
Our business ran two hgv and was a viable living. I successfully applied for my operator's licence in order to keep the remaining vehicle to bring in a wage.
I might add that as an avid reader of CM I keep well up to date with all the current legislation. My point is the introduction of the Certificate of Competence.
Unless I take a course and study a lot of meaningless information by 1980, my business will have to close, throwing another driver out of work and me on to social .security.
The idea of the certificate is good in principle, but surely for a firm with only one vehicle it is ludicrous. All my knowledge relates entirely to the running and maintenance of my vehicle. Why do I need to know the regulations concerning vehicles not appertaining to my business?
Another point: not being the driver, how am I expected to know the relevant traffic signs?
It has been suggested that one way out would be to employ a driver with a certificate. To me that would be instant downfall, like holding a gun to my head.
I badly want to keep my business running in order to provide for my small sons, but it seems the certificate will beat me.
Surely the information collected by the Traffic Office and regular checks are sufficient to ensure the laws are being enforced.
M. A. SHIERS, V. Shiers & Sons, Sackpool.