TRAILER TROUBLES
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As a serving traffic cop on the KV Unit of Lancashire Constabulary I read with great interest the article headed "Register trailers to combat crime" ( CM12-18 July).
We have been after this for more years than 1 care to remember.
My job entails examining commercial vehicles and carrying out tachograph analysis, mainly after accidents as I am part of the Accident Investigation Unit and was suitably qualified to do this before joining the job'. lam also the force's liaison with the Vehicle Inspectorate.
Occasionally I am asked by CID to examine trailers etc which may possibly be stolen, but finding history on them is a nightmare.
If we are going to mark them with a number why not go the whole hog and give them their own registration number plate as they already do in other EC countries?
This would make life so much easier, both for ourselves and the operators, as the drivers wouldn't have to carry extra number plates for when they change trailers. Considering the oust of replacing lost/stolen number plates (a regular excuse by drivers) it would surely be worth it.
I don't see how the argument by hauliers regarding operating costs and bureaucracy would hold water. They have to register trailers for 0-licences now, so surely it would only mean an extra line or two on the form. PC Paul 0 Brooks, HGV Unit, Lancashire Constabulary.