Loaded questions ring true
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• Well done for bringing attention to loaded driver training. I read with interest, surprise and astonishment your article (CM 6-12 Aug). It is not difficult to see why loaded training was rejected by the Transport Secretary 21/2 years ago when "companies" who admit to being "approved" by such an organisation and then readily admit they are "merely teaching trainees to perform a set of tricks", to quote your article.
Is it surprising when disreputable practice like this is admitted that the DTp doesn't want trainees to learn these "tricks" with a loaded 38-tonner.
I agree with your writer that the typical training rig is a six-speed tractor and flat trailer and as your information came from the members, it does look as though that is an area that needs to be reorganised and quickly. It is not surprising they see the "one-man band" or "cowboy operator" as a threat because with admissions of teaching tricks anybody is a threat. Four out of five members said roping and sheeting is out of date, I have never heard such rubbish spoken by people who say they know about transport.
With views such as these it is apparent why the credibility of some organisations is waning. Unrealistic vehicles are used by the majority of companies because their instructors would struggle with anything else.
Bill Wilford
Kent Metro, Burnham, Kent.