The aomMERCIAL
Page 31
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MOTOR IRA Licences
• !THERE will be few goods vehicle operators who did not welcome I the announcement (as reported in last week's issue) by the Minister of Transport that he intended to re-introduce the issue of heavy goods vehicle drivers' licences. Such documents were, of course, issued until the 1939-45 war began, and were then suspended because of a shortage of staff. They have not since been issued, although the 1960 Road Traffic Act makes full provision for their use. Obviously, as the Minister said, their re-issue must be coupled with a system of drivertest i ng.
Mr. Fraser was perhaps understating the problems when he remarked: Some tricky details still have to be worked out, and examiners have to be recruited and trained." He did not make it clear what type of test was envisaged whether, for instance, it will include knowledge of the law relating to hours and records; whether a minimum mechanical knowledge will be demanded; and many similar provisions which, ideally, should be included.
The Minister did not mention the position of existing drivers, Will they receive licences automatically, and if so who will determine the category of vehicles for which they are licensed? What categories of goods vehicles will be laid down? Will sufficient note be taken of the special problems of driving articulated vehicles? These are just a few random questions which must be answered; there are many, many more. They should be enough, however, to dissuade people from thinking that h.g.v. licences are "just around the corner ".
Whilst approving Mr. Fraser's decision,. the industry will need ,reassurance that he will not hurry through a scheme which is incomplete.