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Tacho 'No !'
Page 50
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Who says so?
What about a tachograph referendum? I've always thought it would be a good idea and this week I'm more convinced than ever — and the reason?
Well I know that there is an opinion held by some trade union officials that the unions don't want tachos.
But the unions as I see it are the members, not the officials, and there is no evidence that the members don't want tachos.
Indeed, evidence this week points to the contrary.
Do you remember the story about the German operator Cordes and Simon who pay their drivers substantial bonuses on the basis of the information taken from the tachograph chart? Well there were a few drivers who remembered it.
Far from not wanting tachos, they seem to be very anxious to be "spied on" because they've written to Dr Cordes asking for jobs.
I've seen their letters. Two men are in their early thirties with families, another has 20 years' hgv driving experience. They are ready to move immediately to Germany and glad to accept the terrible "spy in the cab".
It makes me wonder how many would accept it at home if the same benefits would accrue. It's a pity we'll never know . . . at least not until we have a referendum.
Come to think of it, I wonder if the tacho manufacturers might consider such an exercise?