Nick Charlesworth, divisional general manager at Laser Transport International, is
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fed up with operators who ignore the rules—and looks forward to tougher entry requirements.
'Those who operate on the fringe do irreparable harm'
Not too many years ago, there was an "operator" in our area who did not tax or maintain his vehicles, keep records or trade to what most of us would consider to be normal business standards. One day our local official popped into the office for a routine check and, not having found anything amiss, stayed for a cup of tea and a chat.
The conversation got around to our suspect local "operator" and I pointed out that, while we did not compete .directly, it was pretty unfair that this operator could disobey the rules with apparent impunity. "Oh yes," came the reply. "You see he's got no Operator's Licence and we're finding it difficult to do anything about it!" To be fair, the authorities did eventually get their man although it took some years to do so. it, like us, you try and run your business in a responsible manner I'm sure you share our frustration and anger at the way in which "irresponsible" operators seem to get away with it so often. Indeed, the trade press regularly reports cases brought against operators who have clearly been bending the rules to gain commercial advantage. I know that even responsible operators can sometimes find themselves in trouble—it happens. But there is a vast difference between an unwitting or minor offence committed by an operator who tries very hard to get it right, and calculated or frequent offences committed by irresponsible operators. My point is that those who operate on the "fringe" of our industry do irreparable harm, both to individual operators and to the industry. One of the reasons for this is that the quality standard for entry to the industry is simply too low. This can lead to over-capacity in the market which in turn leads to cut-throat competition where rates can be set by those who break the rules. Fortunately there are many customers who look for real quality as well as a reasonable price, but if you compete on price alone you'll find it difficult against those who operate illegally. It's pleasing to learn that EU Transport Ministers have agreed the outline of changes to 0-licensing that will make it more difficult for new entrants to gain access to the industry. From the year 2000 there will be higher "fit person" and professional standards and increased financial requirements. The CPC exam will also become more difficult.
Hopefully, these measures will mean that new entrants will be of the right calibre. However, raising standards is only half the battle: there is still a need to ensure that enforcement is carried out fairly and on a regular basis. Roadside checks are an important element of enforcement which should be carried out fairly and equitably across the EU. A recent roadside check carried out in the UK found that there were problems with 50% of the vehicles stopped.lt seems these checks are too infrequent in the UK and I don't think that responsible operators would mind if there were more, but it's important that a sense of balance is maintained.
If you've ever ventured abroad, as we do on a regular basis, you've probably witnessed the wholly impartial way in which roadside checks are conducted. Many roadside checks seem wholly aimed at foreign operators while national operators seem to be ignored. Often it seems that the objective of the enforcement officials is to accrue as much spot-fine revenue as possible. Stories of officials inspecting vehicles until an offence is found, however small, are all too common.
Let's hope that tougher entry standards and balanced EU-wide enforcement will lead to the market conditions this industry deserves.
• If you want to sound off about a road transport issue write to features editor Patric Cunnane or fax your views (up to 600 words) on 0181 652 8912 or to Nicky Clarke on 01342 850215.