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5th February 2004
Page 26
Page 26, 5th February 2004 — Let's proted our drivers!
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Keywords : Parking

LAST YEAR HGV driver Derek Bailey was killed in his cab by an arson attack while he was asleep waiting outside a customer's premises to deliver his load (CM 29 January).

Over the years criminals have manhandled HGV drivers, sometimes brutally, for their loads or their vehicles. Some people may believe that it's the driver who is at fault for parking overnight in an 'unsafe' place, but considering the state of parking facilities in this country then is it any wonder that events like this happen?

The consequences for both society as a whole,the drivers and their families and vehicle operators are as numerous as they are negative. Aside from the obvious issues of death and serious injury there are ramifications for us all through an increase in insurance premiums or retailers seeking to recoup their costs through higher prices in the shops.

Granted,these incidents have been going on for years but lately the degree of violence involved seems to have increased,and as loads get more valuable there will be more temptation to target them.

If you stop and think why HGV drivers have been parking in 'unsafe' areas you come to a number of self-evident conclusions.

• There are a shrinking number of secure truck parks in the UK.

• Motorway service areas, while charging a high price,fail to provide adequate security.

• Local councils are keen to see their goods delivered but seem tobe markedly less enthusiastic about the trucks that brought them parking up anywhere nearby.

• Businesses generally think very little about where delivery drivers should park while waiting to unload.

• The government is bizarrely unconcerned by the issue and seems to be doing absolutely nothing to solve the problem.

The issue of unsafe parking cannot continue. How many more drivers have to die before the authorities, be they at regional or national level, get off their backsides and do something? We cannot allow this type of criminal activity to flourish and we must protect the haulage industry and its workers now! A Crosstield: Angered tri altar* Jack Crossfield Drivers' Action Movement Manchester


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