License the cowboys too, say removers
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NCLUDE the light van "cowboys" of the emovals industry in the Transport danagers' Licence procedure and apply )ther regulations as well, the British kssociation of Removers has asked the )0E. It has said that the whole industry ;hould be treated equally because of its ;pecial relationship with the public.
In a letter about the TML proposals, he association has expressed the resent-nent of the removals industry to the ipplication of the 3.5 tons gross threshold or this purpose. It wants the Department lo extend operators' licensing — and therefore the TML requirement — downward to cover all vehicles used for removals.
Pointing out that the removals industry is a public service industry dealing mainly with the general public, the BAR says that it should be treated differently from general road freight organisations.
Though it has received some recognition of its function in some matters — notably in some relaxation of drivers' hours — the Department does not seem to accept that it has a responsibility to maintain the standards of furniture removal.
Recent legislation has tended to produce the opposite effect and uneven enforcement does not inhibit the dishonest, inexperienced, ignorant or evasive operator, the association has said.
It has also expressed regret that the proposed TML syllabus contains no requirement of specialised knowledge for removals managers. The BAR has asked: As a specialised TML for international work is proposed so why should not the same apply to removals work?
The BAR has also expressed its support for the suggestion from the Institute of the Furniture Warehousing and Removals Industry that its courses should be recognised as granting exemption from any further test.