Light enforcement
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• Most people are well aware that the hours worked by drivers of large goods vehicles are strictly controlled in the interests of road safety.
I was therefore somewhat concerned to read an article in the Mail on Sunday dated 29 March which described what appears to be a growing practice among fish retailers working out of Grimsby where, it is alleged, drivers are regularly working "three to four 20-hour days a week".
These are drivers of light goods vehicles under 3,500kg GVW and as such they fall within the provisions of the 1968 Transport Act (as amended), commonly known as the UK Domestic Driver's Hours Rules. One of these provisions is for a maximum of 11 hours duty in any period of 24 hours.
I am concerned that the enforcement authorities devote so much time and effort to the policing of large goods vehicles, often ignoring the activites of their smaller bretheren.
I recognise that the drivers in question are exempt from keeping records and enforcement may be difficult, but I do feel that the public should be made aware of the road safety implications of such practices.
J Isles Poulton le Fylde, Lancs.