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North-West's issues on seminar agenda
Page 7
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VISITORSTOTHE second Commercial Motor Legal Seminar, held last week in the North-West, were warned of the perils of using mobile phones while driving by North West Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell.
She told delegates at the ATS Euromaster-sponsored event: "More and more CV drivers appear to spend time on hand-held mobile phones,chatting away as if they are completely invisible. If you are using your hand-held mobile phone while driving you can look forward to a minimum 14-day suspension of your driving licence."
This is a recurring theme of our nationwide series of seminars; Bell's remarks echo the warning given to operators by Deputy TC Richard McFarlane at the previous week's event in Glasgow.
Other hot issues in the NorthWest included foreign truck drivers and the monitoring and managing of third-party maintenance contractors. Bell said: "I have no difficulty with operators using foreign drivers, but you have to be sure they can do the job properly. Foreign drivers will not have English as their first language and operators will need to have sufficient measures in place to ensure adherence to the highway code, road signs and other daily processes."
She also urged operators to focus on the "same old issues" which need constant attention to avoid problems."It's not enough to have the processes in place to solve these recurring issues — you have to ensure they are being carried out" The remaining CM Legal Seminars will be held at Bristol on 3 October and Gatwick on 10 October. To book your free place call 020 83907465.