The ultimate torture
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n end to vehicle theft is in sight with the news that a Nuneaton security firm has created the ultimate deterrent—on alarm that plays Des O'Connor records.
Anyone trying to break into a truck fitted with one of these, supplied by WASO, will be assailed by the likes of
One, Two, Three O'Leary
(whatever was that all
about?) or the stomach churning Dick-a-Dum-Dum at 120 decibels. My only fear is that the new alarm will fail EU environmental regulations.
The great artist himself seems to have taken the innovation with good humour—perhaps it's all those extra royalties. 'Thieves have been warned," says Des, a distressingly youthful 63. "I suppose if they take a small car they will only get one track. But if they steal a bus they would get the whole album." It doesn't bear thinking about.
Dhere is something oddly familiar about the new boy behind the wheel of this UPS artic entering the Folkestone freight terminal before its journey to Calais by Channel Tunnel.
He looks for all the world like Steven Norris, minister for local transport and road safely. Could it be that a politician has got a proper job at last?
No such luck. Norris was merely sampling life on the road for an
eader Les Gaskins has at last parted with the Renault G290
he won bra year in 1988 in a Commercial Motor competition. Less company Favor Parker bought the Renault after the free year was up. It went on to do him proud in the Lorry Driver of the Year competition, CM Truckfest arid the Norfolk Truckfest in 1989. The vehicle covered 508,000km and had an engine refit early last year. I trust it's gone to a good home. Les says the G290 has left him "many happy memories". But has it been replaced with another Renault? Er, no. Its place in the yard is now occupied by a new ERF EC12.
Brothers on the buses
bus service has been launched with top grade drivers and free fares on every journey. Another publicity stunt by Richard Branson? A wholly successful attempt to eliminate fare dodgers?
Neither. The new service is the brainchild of the Transport and General Workers' Union.
It launched the free service to win public support in a dispute with Badgerline, which has sacked 96 drivers. The sacked drivers went on strike after the company attempted to increase the time a driver would be in charge of a bus from four hours to four hours and 45 minutes.
Softly does it
3 onnoisseurs of traffic signs ?till be intrigued by this maverick example, located at the entrance to a Swindon supermarket.
Note its unconventional nature There should not be a diagonal line and a weight limit should be stated Naughty, naughty sign writer! The reference to "lorries prohibited" is bathed up by the ominous addition that a "soft road"lies ahead Perhaps some foolhardy lorry ignored this in the past and sunk without trace. Spooky, huh;