Play safe and retire earlier?
Page 18
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I THINK I can speak with some authority, as a bus and coach operator of many years' standing, together with a considerable experience in light and heavy commerical transport operations.
Over the years I have advocated that the pace of life, with all its trials and tribulations, is increasing rapidly every day, which adds to the aggravation and responsibilities of our valued drivers, who operate all services of public and heavy commercial transport.
The drivers or operators are under the continuous and exacting strain of speed and congestion, which demands constant alertness and instant reaction at all times.
It would be fair to comment with the frequent strict medical examinations required by employers for their drivers and operators, that they do meet with the highest standards required. But my sincere concern goes much deeper. I believe that when a person reaches the age of, say, 60 years, having worked for many years, under the continuous strain already mentioned, mental and physical reaction may be suspect.
Therefore, with the acute employment situation in today's climate, surely the time has arrived when serious thought should be given to the people employed in these very important positions, for retirement on a fair pension at the age of 55 or 60 on the grounds of safety-first precautions.
CLLR L. M. LEADER West Mersea, Essex