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An Up-to-date Approach

24th February 1961
Page 68
Page 68, 24th February 1961 — An Up-to-date Approach
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

"E LEVEN hours or I0?" One factor all sections of the road transport industry should surely keep an eye on is the comparison, as regards total hours worked coupled with total earnings, between road transport employment and employment in other industries.

It may be tempting to try to bolster recruitment by offering " plenty of overtime." Does it solve that problem? Is it an up-to-date approach, consistent with the social pattern of the times?

London, EA. M. ORMEROD,

Chairman, S.P.D., Ltd.

Danger Signals

ALETTER appeared recently in one of the Sunday papers concerning a night drive up M1 in which the writer says: "Of 75 lorries overtaken on a 40-mile stretch, 39 were inadequately lit, bearing in mind the speed at which overtaking often takes place on these new highways." The writer finished off thus: "Strangely, lorry rear lights are usually smaller in diameter than those of private

cars. Number plates are invariably and illegible."

In The Times a few days later I read the following: "Professor E. G. Cullick, of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Queen's College, Dundee, writes to draw attention to what he considers to be the inadequate rear lights displayed by many lorries. He points out that although they may conform with the legal requirements, many such vehicles are particularly difficult to see in the dark, as their rear surfaces are often almost wholly absorbent of

light. Not infrequently reflectors and rear lights are obscured by dirt because they are low down on the vehicle. Professor Cullick is of opinion that lorries should be required to carry lights on two levels, possibly with a specified colour code, and that parking of such vehicles on the highway during the hours when lights are required should not be permitted. . . . The question of traffic signals on lorries is also deserving of attention. Hand signals are extremely difficult to see from the rear of some of the larger vehicles and it will probably be surprising to many that it is not compulsory for these to be fitted with any form of electric signalling device. (This applies also to private cars.) The question of specifying such equipment which would be internationally acceptable and required by law has been receiving consideration for some time."

What can be done to ensure greater safety and at the E2

same time to safeguard the good relations of commercia operators with the general public? There are all sorts oi reasons for these night accidents, but three particular point seem to emerge: Rear lamps and reflectors obscured by tht filth of a long wet-weather haul; electrical failure; optica illusion. Concerning the first point, periodic cleaning collie reduce the risk. Electrical failure of rear lights needs to be signalled to a driver in the cab the moment it happens This should not be terribly difficult or expensive to incorporate in the electrical system of modern vehicles of at types.

The safety of road users in general, and of our staff,ir particular, is vital. lln collaboration with vehicle designers and accessories suppliers, cannot we take the initiative?

Thorpe Bay, Essex. 66 TRUNKIE."

Illuminated Bus Advertisements

WONDER how many other readers share my surprise and concern at the news that buses are to be fitted with illuminated advertisement panels on the offside.

Over the years many members have consulted me on the question of illuminated advertisements on lorries and vans. There are no specific regulations but I have always suggested that there are two aspects which need the most careful consideration. As advertisements are intended to draw attention it follows that they may distract the attention of other drivers, cyclists or pedestrians, with the possibility of resultant accident. An intensely lighted or motivated advertisement could soon make a vehicle "liable to be the cause of injury to other people on the road." Morally so, if not legally, under the strict interpretation of the Construction and Use Regulations.

There is the second and serious question of potential liability if death or injury is caused to other people. It is all a question of degree but surely illuminated or motivated advertisements are potentially as dangerous, or even more so, than the bonnet mascots which have already attracted the attention of the courts. No one, least of all one in my position, likes to ask for more regulations but I feel that many will share my view that the sooner the question of advertisements on highways and vehicles is dealt with, the better.

London, W. 1. R. E. G. BROWN,

Divisional Sec., London and Home Counties Div., T.R.T.A.


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