Anti-truck TV
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• Following Robert Watson's comments about the BBC's Look East programme, (CM 9-15 May), it should be noted that the BBC has joined the anti-HGV brigade. Such programmes featuring a current pet hate are designed to show only one side of the coin: the popular one. There will have been responsible drivers interviewed whose opinions did not fit in with the image the BBC was trying to portray. There will also have been others who would not speak to the reporters.
These type of programmes are very carefully staged to suit the mood of the viewing public. A similar programme was screened by the BBC's Watchdog programme, not just once, but again on the last show of the series, which gave me a second chance to see that these people make programmes on subjects about which they are totally ignorant.
On the subject of PG9 prohibitions (CM 16-22 May) and drivers being forced to take a full Department of Transport test after being served with a PG9, the last paragraph in your article caught my eye: The Vehicle Inspectorate denies that its examiners are asking for full MoTs." I dispute this. One of our vehicles was stopped on a routine check in the Exeter district on 6 February. A PG9 was issued to come into force on 11 February. The defects found were an air leak from the service system when the service brakes were applied and a fractured fifth-wheel mounting plate. A date and time was arranged with the local testing station at Kirkham for 12:00hrs on 14 February. The work was carried out and the vehicle was duly taken to the testing station where we were informed that a full test was required. We lost four full working days.
The vehicle is still due for its annual test in July. Marian Brooks
TM Services, Preston, Lancs.