Put the "Pirates" in Irons
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A LLEGATIONS by the Transport and General rI Workers Union that some Scottish hauliers are making 'their drivers work far beyond the legal maximum number of hours are grave and should not go unchallenged, if the Union hold proof of illegal working, as distinct from hearsay, it is their duty to place the facts before the Licensing Authority. Such action would be welcomed by the reputable haulier, who suffers in many ways from the actions of "pirates."
Conclusive proof, however, is another matter and a disgruntled driver's statement is not necessarily proof. The surest method of finding the facts is the wide use of "silent checks" by the Ministry of Transport. Under this system, traffic officers are placed out of sight on the main roads at intervals up to 300 miles apart. They note the number and time of each vehicle passing.
When the results are brought together and compared with the log sheets, not only are the pirates found out, but wayward drivers, under instructions not to exceed legal limits, but breaking the law for their own purposes, are detected. The control operates for several days at intermittent periods. It puts continuous fear into those who have cause to fear.
The picture of " making " men drive more than the legal maximum of II hours a day is slightly out of focus. No driver is forced to do so. Running to the extent alleged by the Union could not be done without the acquiesence of the drivers. H is not surprising that willing collaboration is forthcoming when the " pirate " driver is paid upwards of £.8 a week more than the man who works 11 hours a day. Such operators have waiting lists of drivers read x to step into vacancies and reputable hauliers are liable to lose some of their best men.
If illegal running which warrants the revocation of a haulier's licence is proved, it also merits the suspension of the drivers' licences for a period. With this threat hanging over the drivers' heads, the pirate operators would soon cease to exist. Resuscitation of licences to drive heavy goods vehicles might also help to raise respect for the law.