Image building
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• It has come to my notice over the past few months that there appears to be a consensus within the road transport industry, echoed by P B Treble (CM 19-25 July), that the industry is somewhat lacking in the public image department.
We have seen individual initiatives, such as Volvo Trucks' schools and colleges poster campaign and the No Need to Speed campaign, but what good came of that can be reflected in the recent legislative action. However, what I believe is actually required is a co-ordinated and concerted campaign to educate the public and to provide a means of countering attacks from anti-truck lobbyists and the ill-informed press reports which the industry is constantly subjected to.
What I suggest is the establishment of a council which would deal solely with matters concerning the industry's public image; a suitable title would be Road Transport Education Council (RoTEC).
The council, which could form part of an existing transport body, would be responsible for co-ordinating campaign initiatives; producing publicity materials; and arranging information seminars on current road transport affairs, and so on. Funding would be provided by donations and sponsorship.
I believe that everyone within the industry has a part to play in fostering and improving the industry's public image, be they driver or managing director, truck manufacturer or component supplier, journalist or enthusiast.
Christopher Hanley Bedale, North Yorks.