Call to Heel
Page 30
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ALTHOUGH the conditions under which the Lorry Driver of the Year Competition for 1956 is being conducted are a substantial improvement on those of past years, the need for stricter discipline and more closely drawn regulations is apparent. The national organizing committee have readily recognized such faults as exist and are taking immediate action to remedy them.
Unfortunately, there is some disharmony among the constituent bodies of the committee. The sponsors of the Slough competition have made regrettable accusations against the organizers of the Coventry round, although they themselves have disregarded the national regulations. Although it is couched in conciliatory terms, what amounts to a vote of censure on the Slough committee has been passed by the governing body and it is to be hoped that it will have the desired effect.
The rate of expansion of the competition is a disappointment to those who appreciate its great value in promoting road safety and setting up a recognizable standard of skill for the benefit of both drivers and employers. Local road safety committees and police authorities have shown little interest in it, and thp Traders' Road Transport Association and Road Haulage Association have now been asked to take the initiative in establishing new eliminating centres. kis certainly in the interests of the road transport industry that they should do so and they are likely to be well supported by operators.
It is essential, however, that all local rounds should be conducted with scrupulous regard for the national rules. Quality is more important than quantity, although many more eliminating centres are needed: There is no lack of enthusiasm among the members of the national committee and if it can be communicated to others, there is no reason why 10 well-organized rounds should not be held next year.