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MIRROR IMAGE
Page 26
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Malcolm Frame of Newcastleupon-Tyne suggested setting up an organisation to mirror Fair Trials Abroad (CM24-30 July).
There is much in his suggestion. For example, his proposed organisation could monitor the welfare of drivers in foreign prisons and act as a communication link between the prisoner and their famtThe service could also be extended to British prisons, too.
However, lam curious to know what expertise his proposed organisation might draw upon to offer advice to families subject to a wide range of legal systems "on the best course of action" when clearing with authorities abroad, or lobbying governments on behalf of "drivers held in prison without charge".
Fair Trials Abroad, a registered charity with a committed, international board of directors, already possesses the necessary experience and expertise to deal with authorities across the EU in their own language—and with a sound knowledge of the specific legal processes involved.
Furthermore, Fair Trials Abroad will shortly be initating a survey in France and the UK, supported by the Road Haulage Association, which seeks to identify the source for more common difficulties in access to justice for drivers. Our website has a specialised area of interest focusing on the needs of international drivers.
Fair Trials Abroad's only weakness in this area is a shortage of resources. Perhaps Mr Frame should concentrate on setting up an organisation that can meet the needs of drivers offering expertise and support as at present none exists, rather than trying to divert scarce resources from an area of great need which is already being addressed.
Sarah de Mas
Fair Trials Abroad
DUPLICATE EFFORTS
I read with interest Malcolm Frame's letter (CM24-30 June) concerning the creation of an organisation along the Fines of Fair Trials Abroad to deal with the Transport Industry.
I could not agree more with Mr Frame's concerns for drivers who are arrested abroad. However, I am concerned that a number of selfhelp groups created recently by drivers may simply muddy the waters.
The United Road Transport Union has for many years assisted and campaigned tirelessly for drivers arrested abroad. The work that has been done over the years has allowed URTU to build up a large database of contacts abroad.
I would respectfully suggest that the way forward is for such action to be co-ordinated through a forum, where the expertise currently lies, so that all efforts can be channelled through that This would avoid ending up with a number of disparate groups.
Whilst L wish Mr Frame every success, I feel the suggestions he makes are already in being and working well within URTU. Robert F Monks
General Secretary United Road Transport Union
DICIRAL BLUR
I fear Paul Kay's assertion (CM7 13 August) that Act a "will have gained digital tachograph type approval by October" has further blurred an already distorted picture.
To date, no digital tachograph manufacturer has made a request for interoperability testing to the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in italy, as required by the regulations.
According to Annex 1B, the first interoperability certificate issued to a vehicle unit and a tachograph card product is provisional for four months. If, after this period, no other products have been submitted for testing, the first certificate becomes definitive.
The "exceptional procedure" also foresees an additional twomonth period for the resolution of interoperability problems, so it is possible that there will not be type-approved equipment for six months from the completion of the first interoperability tests.
The FTA has been told that the JRC is expecting the Actla vehicle unit in mid-September. One assumes this will be the first. At best, therefore, it will be January or February 2004 before it could be definitively type approved.
If Mr Kay contacts JRC, I am sure they will be happy to confirm these requirements. Or he might just Eke to read the provisions of Annex 1B 6, exceptional procedure: first interoperability certificate, paragraphs 291-295, which clarifies the legal position. Coln C Hagan Manager, Road Transport Law Freight Transport Association
NO IWORMER
I am writing regarding the article on page 11 entitled "Vehicle Crime Initiative Expands After Success" (Ci147 -13 August).
Although I believe that my company, more than any other in the Midlands, has suffered from truck crime, I wish to make it clear that I have not, and never have been, considered to be a "police informer".
Indeed, it has been said that I have been the most vociferous critic of the West Midlands Police in the past on this subject, having been drawn into the debate because of the regularity of past theft from my company, and the lacklustre performance and attitude of the WMP, which offered no more help than a crime number. They almost refused to have anything to do with truck theft fin this area] in any way that counted until pushed to do so. In my view, this period led to the West Midlands becoming the capital of truck crime.
Maurice Hudson of Hudson Storage is a personal friend, and asked to use what had in the past become our "regular database" to inform the press of the recent crime against his company. My name and number was offered only in the context of the press needing further information of what was stolen as, in past experience, we have seen some pretty poor reporting in some of the media.
lam sure most of your readers have also seen this type of reporting (not in CMthough, I hasten to add).
I would therefore appreciate you making it perfectly clear that the footnote in this article was not intended to invite anyone with information regarding this crime, or any other, to contact me. if anyone does have any information on any crime, my suggestion would be that they contact Crimestoppers.
Chris Kelly Keltruck, West Bromwich