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6 e M n o v s i r t o o n f m us en w t o w rk h a i l at a at d
Page 42
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en isgkhtd during nleave g t h the tdoayr tihneawn aoffi cteh
and safety of home. A truck driver's environment is quite different. His workspace is his cab and his `office' the open road. Unlike the rest of us, at night the driver finishes his shift and the cab and a lorry park become home for the night. But can drivers sleep safe and sound, both in the UK and Europe? Driver security is our business and to this end I wanted to find out, first hand, what night-time security for truckers is like at some of the UK's motorway service areas and if we're keeping up with the facilities provided by our European neighbours.
My conclusion was that most drivers pay approximately £11 each night, with a £3 voucher for an evening meal—though charges do vary up and down the country. Therefore, it appears that the 28 balance pays for a piece of tarmac. Although a security guard collects payment, it is unlikely that drivers will see the security guard after 22:00hrs—he will have left for the safety of his own home. So who is looking after driver security after that?
It is difficult to understand why the motorway service areas cannot finance fencing or a 24-hour guard with optional dog It is no wonder that curtain slashing is a major problem. It is open season for burglars and vandals at service areas. Indeed, one deterrent being used by drivers is to leave the doors open on empty trailers as a 'don't bother' message to avoid un-necessary damage.
Nevertheless, it is fair to say that private truck-stop owners offer more specialised services and some of them utilise CCTV, patrols and well-lit areas. Even here, though, the charges vary and there appears to be no minimum standard that the truckstops adhere to—some have excellent standards while others offer a poor service. Finding them can be a problem, especially when a simple request to the government for signage from the nearest motorway junction is often denied.
Even more important, however, is the safety of drivers themselves. With thieves becoming more aware that the cab contents could be worth stealing, drivers are at greater risk. A recent Crimewatch UK highlighted arson attacks on trucks at various locations in the north, salt looks like it won't be too long before our drivers become the victims of the frightening gas attacks that are prevalent on the Continent. Indeed, in the first three quarters of 2001 alone, there were in excess of 1,200 'jump ups' in Britain last year. For 2002, the National Stolen Lorry Load Desk in Essex expects this figure to rise dramatically.
Our European neighbours seem to take much more care over their drivers. There is nothing but praise for German truckstops and in Holland a ticket and barrier system helps to keep drivers safe. Most interesting is the fact that parking is free at most European truckstops. Drivers being provided with a freshly cooked meal in pleasant surroundings is an added but common bonus. This all endorses the fact that most other European countries value their drivers and recognise their skills, which, l am ashamed to say, we don't do in the UK.
So, what is the government's answer to this? The white paper on transport reads: "Encourage better roadside facilities for truck drivers". The reality is that nothing significant has happened despite the white paper being written in 1998.
Operators need to look very carefully at the charges they make to drivers. Why not let the profits from coach parties subsidise better facilities for drivers? Are operators putting enough pressure on the government to help with subsidies? It appears not.
The government has to sit up and take note. It must use its influence to gain recognition for drivers. Central policies need to provide ways to help motorway service areas and private truckstop operators put forward a very basic, essential service for an important sector of our community.., a safe and secure night's sleep for our nation's drivers. Or we will slip even further behind the standards of mainland Europe.