P LETTER OF THE WEEK
Page 20
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You should only get one chance to get an 0-licence
HAVING JUST READ Geoff Dunning's (above) opinion article (CM 22 July). he states that the Road Haulage Association (RHA)"are to level the playing field".
What have the RHA been charging members for? Have they just woken up?
There arc hauliers out on the road that have been running bent, with dodgy vehicles and dodgy 0-licences, etc, and this has been going on for years.
I think it is far too easy to obtain an 0-licence. I personally know of instances, now some years ago, where operators owing millions ot pounds went bust, then formed a new company, got a new 0-licence and did the same thing all over again.
This was a double whammy for the legitimate haulier. They worked as a subcontractor and never got paid. then a Traffic Commissioner would give these companies another chance to rip off another legitimate haulier.
If you go bust through debts of your own making, you should only be allowed one chance and, most certainly, one 0-licence.
If things were done this way, there would be no need for public inquries and the money could be reinvested in the roads, for the use of legitimate operators.
Peter C Clarke Durham
Ed's note: Peter, thanks for your rather radical suggestion. Is there a widespread desire for 0-licence reform in the industry? Would a one strike and you're out' approach work? We would love to print your opinions on this emotive issue. Email them to christopher.walton@rbixo.uk