'One problem we face is driver apathy when seeing our amber beacons'
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4 have worked in the garage and the
I recovery industry for over 25 years and have seen the industry change dramatically into the high tech and very highly specialised industry it is today. The days have long gone of having a recovery vehicle, parked in the corner of the yard, to be used by anybody that was available at the time. The recovery operator's job presents a bigger headache than ever with the advent of cars and commercial vehicles that bend easily if lifted incorrectly and coaches of integral construction.
With all these "technical" advancements, the recovery operator has found it necessary to invest vast sums of money in equipment. Recovery vehicles are often found to be more valuable than the casualties they are recovering, making them ideal targets for thieves. With a strong belief in training, I was invited to become a member of the Council of Management of the Institute of Vehicle Recovery and have now been chairman for two years. The Council give their time on a free basis and receive no travelling or out-ofpocket expenses. Many hours are dedicatec to providing the recovery industry with suitable training to meet their requirements. At this year's AGM in March, the Institute will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. It represents the individual in the industry and we are always trying to encourage operators to join—an uphill struggle. The Institute runs its own training vehicles including spectacle lifts, commercial underlifts and a fully equipped air cushion van.
With the increasing number of vehicles using our congested roads at high speeds, the industry in which we work has become very dangerous. We have suffered the losses of many Friends and associates. To combat these dangers we have worked with the AA, RAC, National Breakdown and Central Motorway Police Group to develop a recommended code of practice, complete with a video, which we mailed out to 2,000 recovery companies free of charge. A sequel is planned. One problem we face is driver apathy when seeing our amber beacons which are carried routinely by other vehicles such as tractors, milk floats and JCBs.
To rectify this problem we have lobbied the Department of Transport to change the law to allow recovery/breakdown vehicles to display a dedicated colour or combination of colours. Sadly, without further consultation with the industry, the request was rejected. The industry would benefit from improved training qualifications — there is no recognised qualification such as City and Guilds. To solve this problem the Institute is running pilot schemes for NVQs for every member of the industry.
Anyone can set up a recovery business. There are no legal or licensing requirements. It's a problem the industry finds difficult to address faced with a Government that is pro-deregulation. But how do you deregulate an industry that has no regulations? We meet with our counterparts throughout Europe and their problems are no diFferent from ours. Instead of being dismissed as a lowly part of the motor trade, the recovery industry should now stand alone and be recognised as a separate industry with qualified operatives. One thing is certain. Vehicles will continue to break down and recovery operators will go their rescue, often putting their own lives at risk. Perhaps one day they will get the recognition they deserve., • If you want to sound off about a road transport issue write to features editor Patric Cunnane.