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Apart from a truck, there are two things you need for haulage: fuel and drivers. But though the whole country knows about the fuel crisis, few people outside the industry have heard of the looming driver crisis.
Until now, that is. Because this week Commercial Motor's Driver Drive 2001 campaign shifted to a higher gear as its co-ordinator, Tim Maughan, explained the crisis and its implications to six local radio stations and a regional newspaper.
This interest suggests genuine concern from a general public primed about the importance of road haulage by the recent fuel protests.
Elsewhere, too, there is evidence of more interest in the problem. The EC's draft directive on training standards aims to ensure Britain's drivers are as thoroughly trained as those elsewhere in Europe. And Driver Training Strategy aims to get around the problem of expense by organising transferable loans for would-be drivers, making it easier for them to train and ensuring operators who take them on aren't saddled with the costs.
There's more good news from the West Midlands, where a groundbreaking pay deal increases drivers' hourly rate in reaction to shortages and the Working Time Directive.
Finally, of course, there's the Doom promised to haulage in the pre-Budget statement, part of which is aimed at boosting recruitment
It's good to see some action, and although modesty prevents us from claiming it was Commercial Motor wot dun it, we're convinced that together we can make a difference. Are you ready to do your bit? Then pledge your support for CM's campaign using the form on the left, and help us to help you.