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Wanted: civilised
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working conditions
Our investigation into the driver shortage ( CM 6 September, 'New drivers needed — or the industry faces a crisis') has provoked quite a response, with a number of drivers claiming the reasons for the shortage are not hard to find.
One industry veteran is in no doubt that the lack of professional drivers is down to unsatisfactory working conditions. He reports that the lack of suitable truckstops forces drivers to use laybys for all their needs.There's nothing new about that—but he goes on to suggest that the introduction of the sleeper cab, far from being a major step forward, was the start of the "downfall".
His point is that before the advent of sleepers drivers had to find proper accommodation for a decent night's sleep and in response to that demand there were plenty of suitable sites.
No-one denies that modern cabs are vastly improved workplaces, but until a sleeper cab comes complete with a kitchen, shower and, most importantly toilet, it will not be the most desirable option for a night away.
With this in mind CM contacted the Transport & General Workers Union (part of Unite), the United Road Transport Union, the Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association and asked what is being done about working conditions on the road and the public image of our knights of the road'.
A T&G spokesman says: "Yes we very much aware of the situation drivers describe." He quotes some extracts from the union policy agreed at its conference in July: "This Conference calls on the government of the day to instruct and fund that every local authority in England and Wales builds an LGV lorry park in their area." The T&G says these parks must include: • On-site security • Fire safety equipment that the security staff are trained to use • Good lighting around the perimeter • Toilets and proper washing facilities, including showers • Segregation of reefers and vehicles carrying hazardous goods • Nearby food outlets "Also," he says, we want the government to invest more of the revenue raised in making available service areas, including secure, free overnight parking facilities for CVs.
Julia Long, Unite national secretary for transport,adds:-Drivers are right to be angry at being treated like second class citizens because of some snobbish attitudes.
Banned by MSAs "Unite is very concerned by the increasing number of reports that motorway services are now banning them," she adds. With the low pay the drivers get there is no way they can afford hotel and motel charges, which is why getting decent and affordable roadside facilities is very much on our agenda.
"The industry has a role to play, as does the government. We'll keep pressing both to act," Long promises, 'it makes sense for a driver to have a good sleep, feed and shower to make sure they are in top driving form."
The United Road Transport Union also has strong views on working conditions for truck drivers. A spokesman explains: "The United Road Transport Union (URTU) is continually campaigning to improve the working conditions for drivers and this includes fighting for improvements in the treatment of drivers, both at service areas and at regional distribution centres and depots. The lack of service areas must be an indication that, in the present climate, it is difficult to run them as a profitable business," he adds."The Union has been in consultation with the Highways Agency to examine this situation. These consultations have also included talks on issues at service areas,including LG V spaces. security and retail activity, as well as general standards." It is not only the unions who feel strongly that something must be done. Simon Chapman, chief economist for the Freight Transport Association, says: "Local authorities should be responsible for providing the correct facilities.
"Otherwise trucks will stop somewhere inappropriate, which can lead to the 'industry image'. The I ugh ways Agency needs to be an operator for moving as well as stationary vehicles. With [drivers' hours] regulations as they are proper facilities must be provided for those breaks to be taken. Lay-bys are the very bare minimum of what's required and most of those are less than suitable in many cases— yet drivers are forced to use them.
"Also,the influx of foreign vehicles has placed a disproportionate strain on existing facilities."
The Road Haulage Association has similar views. Communications manager Kate Gibbs says: "On safety and welfare issues we work with HSE to make sure that drivers are kept safe, although to be honest it's hard to pinpoint specific instances. It's an ongoing issue.
Promoting best practice "Promoting best practice is a day-to-day issue and one that clearly includes driver welfare when using sleeper cabs," she adds. "When we talk to employers about subsistence rates we encourage them to persuade their drivers to stay at high-security truckstops.
"This, of course, is the perfect 'link' to get on to the building of more safe, secure and reasonably priced truckstops."
When it comes to driver facilities the unions and trade associations are looking at the big picture. Not only is the lack of facilities causing drivers inconvenience — it is also giving them a reputation they do not deserve.
Note: Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990) Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse, litter clearance on motorways and some other trunk roads is the responsibility of the Transport Secretary; this duty is delegated to the Highways Agency.All other All Purpose Trunk Roads (APTRs) are the responsibility of local authorities.
Commercial Motor wants to make a start by dealing with the issue of filthy lay-bys. We want you to tell us about the worst lay-bys you know of, and what you think should be done about them (see below for details). •