Loads of support
Page 46
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After reading Mayor Flitter's and other views about the merits of training WV drivers on loaded vehicles,1 must say from my own experience that I endorse their views without reservation.
While being aware of views expressed by the anti-lobby also, it must be said that the handling behaviour of a loaded vehicle is so far removed from the qualification that they achieve driving an empty vehicle, one must ask the question: are they qualified drivers? What do the accident statistics tell us about accidents involving LG drivers with less than 5,000 miles experience?
Perhaps a vehicle modified to simulate the characteristics of a loaded vehicle is the answer, "to be used off road". With the control systems switched off the same vehicle could be used for basic training on the road. Having conducted a feasibility study based on knowledge gained converting a 13-tonne fire appliance to simulate skidding, I know it can be done; the "tricknology" is here.
Which of our leading establishments is going to move driver training into the twenty-first century?
JP Tomlinson,
Driving Consultancy Services, Sevenoaks. Kent.
No offence
T n CM18-24 February you I printed a picture of the Boalloy intermodal trailer bearing the trade mark RoadRailer. On the curtain Boalloy had painted a pair of stylised flags, the Un ion Jack and the EC flag.
We subsequently received a complaint form Docid's Transport who use this emblem as part of their logo.
We have aplogised to Dodd's Transport and freely admit to having copied their lovely
symbol, but with no intention of offending them or confusing the public.
Gerry Brown,
Boalloy, Congleton, Cheshire
Winners and losers
T was interested to read your 1 report about the RAC's success in gaining the North Yorkshire rota administration contract for garage assistance following a traffic accident or breakdown.
There will be mixed feelings in the industry and once again winners and losers (the latter being upset); the winners being the "RAC" selected garage, on their criteria and the revenue income generated controlled by the RAC.
The organisation itself is benefiting by making a charge to the garage called off which cannot be shown separately. This is similar to a franchise operation. From a moral point of view, should the RAC "profit" from the poor motorist or driver involved in an incident which may not be any fault of theirs?
Should the RAC insist on the fee for offering the work not be shown separately on the invoice, ie the commission?
Only those involved can answer these questions and only they can make the commercial decision to work on this financial basis. After all, if they lose money doing it they won't be in that position too long before the friendly bank manager growls "enough".
CI Hicken,
Midlands Recovery, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs
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