'Open Mind' on He avy Goods Licences
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THE Ministry of Transport is keeping " an open mind" on the reintroduction of special licences for the drivers of heavy goods vehicles until inquiries into the M1 accidents on January 21 are complete. Stating this in the Commons, Mr. Thomas Galbraith, the Parliamentary Secretary, added: "But we do not think • present evidence on accidents in general would justify the reintroduction of these licences."
Mr. Roger Gresham Cooke (Tory, Twickenham) told him that youngsters of 21 were driving vehicles of up to 20 and 25 tons, and it was alleged that there were some drivers who drove as much as 400 miles in 10 hours in these heavy vehicles. It was not good enough, said Mr. Cooke.
lie did not think there was any proof of this, retorted Mr. Galbraith, and pointed out that drivers of heavy goods vehicles had a record of fewer accidents per mile travelled than any other class of driver.