Unite: VOSA needs more money to stop cowboys
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By Chris Druce UNITE’S CALL for more VOSA funding to catch those pushing drivers too hard has won support from operators.
The union is concerned that long hours and unreasonable routing is contributing to accidents, with the impact of this cumulative grind meaning some irms are operating on “the edges of legality” .
Matt Draper, Unite national oficer for road transport, says: “We are seeing the amount of hours drivers are expected to work continually rise.” It is calling on Transport Secretary Justine Greening to boost VOSA’s resources so that it can carry out more checks.
Richard Fry, director of Framptons Transport Services, agrees. “It’s not endemic but there will always be some [that will do this], the sorts based down the back lanes. Big companies like ours are easy to get to, but VOSA really needs the resources to target these small operators out of hours.” Andy Boyle, MD of ABE (Ledbury), says the nature of the irm’s work with agricultural clients means there are times when drivers are asked to go the extra mile. “We need to move goods when clients require it.” However, Boyle says enforcement must be up to scratch and supports more cash for VOSA so that they can provide an effective deterrent. Liam Quinn, owner of Quinns Transport, adds: “If you ask a driver who is working for minimum wage for 48 hours a week, they would love to work for 60 hours a week to earn more money.”