Drivers pay for dents by David Craik • New drivers
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at Harrogate-based Manton Transport are having to sign forms stating they will be liable for the cost of any damage to vehicles that is their fault.
The memorandum to drivers, signed by transport manager Tom Lawson, advises drivers of company trucks, vans or cars they are "most prone to accident when reversing, so to avoid any incident, a quick look with the naked eye is advisable, to avoid damage."
Deductions are to be made from the drivers' weekly pay.
The memorandum also warns drivers that personal use of company telephone and pagers is strictly forbidden. If calls are made, Manton will treat such actions as fraud and again charges will be deducted from wages.
Ron Webb, national road transport officer of the Transport & General Workers Union, condemns Manton's scheme and says it is the first time he has ever heard of a company carrying it out.
"We cannot support this behaviour," he says. "Companies should be insured for this kind of damage. Anyway who decides who is negligent and whose fault an accident is?" Webb worries about the potential liability drivers will leave themselves open to if they sign the form.
Manton Transport does not want to comment on the matter and said transport manager Tom Lawson was permanently unavailable to talk to CM. Manton is licensed to operate 37 vehicles and 50 trailers.