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Traffic officials have 'zero tolerance' for intimidation

6th September 2001
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Page 6, 6th September 2001 — Traffic officials have 'zero tolerance' for intimidation
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• by Mike Jewell A string of attacks on transport enforcement officials, including the torching of a vehicle examiner's car, has this week prompted a statement of "zero tolerance" from the authorities.

A source close to one of the Traffic Commissioners reveals that a memo has been sent to every IC and Vehicle Inspectorate area manager stressing that hauliers who threaten anyone or resort to physical violence against enforcement officers, Traffic Area staff or members of the public may lose their 0-licences (right).

This follows an increase in intimidation and threats to staff in recent months. Since the vehicle examiner's car was set on fire he has installed alarm systems and CCTV to protect his property. There have been allegations of threats to the life of a traffic examiner which resulted in him being unable to return to work for many months.

A Commercial Motor writer was recently threatened with violence in an

attempt to stop him reporting a hearing where action was being considered against an operator's licence.

Other eases have included threats of violence and abuse to a female traffic examiner and aggressive and threatening behaviour to Traffic Area Office staff. The memo says: "We are dealing with commercial jurisdiction, not a crimin area in which a degree of risk from tl lower end of society is accepted. Sui behaviour goes to the heart of the goi repute of an operator and his/her fitne to hold a licence."

TCs are also urging VI staff, Trait Area Office staff and the police to infer them of any abuse or threats.

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