Camera-shy drivers soy 'No'

20th September 1974, Page 69

20th September 1974

Page 69

Page 69, 20th September 1974 — Camera-shy drivers soy 'No'

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Soton mass meeting condemns use of security equipment although TGWU had agreed

DRIVERS at Southampton have refused to use security equipment which photographed them and their documents after they had collected containers at the docks. At a mass branch meeting last week, they said that they considered the use of the equipment to be an infringement of their liberty and open to utilization for purposes other than was intended.

Installed by Solent Container Services after consultation with the shop stewards committee of the Transport and General Workers' Union, the apparatus was designed to improve security at the docks and reduce the chances of unauthorized removal of containers.

Agreement with the shop stewards included the lodging of the cassette containing about 200 photographs with the local official of the TGWU, Mr George Gates, till doubts arose about the collection of any container photographed in a particular cassette. These could be resolved by recovering the negative and developing the appropriate frame. Safeguards insisted on by the union include destroying the film after a reasonable interval.

As a result of the drivers refusing to allow the equipment to be used, the installation has been withdrawn.

Commenting on the use of such equipment, Mr Jack Brown, chairman of the Road Haulage Association's vehicle security committee, told CM this week that he was surprised to learn that drivers had taken exception to it. From the driver's point of view, he said, it safeguarded the good name of honest drivers who formed the majority of drivers employed in the industry and reduced the villains' chances of making off with a container.