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N.R.T.F. Calls for More Co-operation from Manufacturers

20th July 1962, Page 42
20th July 1962
Page 42
Page 42, 20th July 1962 — N.R.T.F. Calls for More Co-operation from Manufacturers
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

ALACK of suitable refreshment facilities at prices which drivers are able to pay and the high cost of attending disabled vehicles are two problems connected with motorways about which the National Road Transport Federation expresses concern in its annual report covering the period July, 1961-June, 1962.

Attention is also drawn to the difficulty which some providers of sleeping accommodation for lorry drivers are experiencing in obtaining planning permission for these facilities because of the objections to the street parking of heavy lorries; they comment also upon the withdrawal of insurance cover for loads left unattended within 10 miles of Charing Cross station in London.

While supporting the suggested London lorry route in principle, the Federation say such schemes must not be allowed to work to the detriment of drivers and operators; they cite the case of Gloucester where, as a result of heavy throughtraffic being prohibited from passing through the city itself, drivers stopping in Gloucester for their overnight rest period have been prosecuted.

On the question of vehicle design requirements the Federation feel that while there is a case for a complete review of the construction regulations so that vehicle development is not unfairly restricted in . this country, the vital question of widths, weights and lengths must be dealt with promptly.

The report expresses the vehicle committee'sdisappointment at the attitude of manufacturers towards co-operation with operators, saying: "Whilst contact is maintained with the. S.M.M.T. it is to be regretted that this liaison is not more active. It is felt that vehicle manufacturers should more readily foster this liaison.". They say it is clear that already commercial vehicle users in this country are having to go to the Continent for certain types of electrical equipment in order to obtain more satisfactory results.

A considerable number of complaints have been received from members of the Federation's constituent associations in respect of electrical equipment fitted on new vehicles; the matter is being taken up direct with the manufacturers in the hope of achieving substantial improvement in the equipment fitted on future vehicles.

The Federation's vehicle committee are now investigating the effect on vehicles of salt used for snow clearance and suggest that operators should be reminded frequently of the need to wash the underbodies of vehicles during the winter and that local authorities should be reminded by the Ministry of Transport of the correct amount of salt to be used in dealing with snow and ice.


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