SOCIALIST TRUCKERS I want to thank Commercial Motor - for its coverage
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of the Socialist Truck Drivers (STD) campaign over lack of provision for parking of HGVs at the end of a day's work (CM 5-11 April). Initial reaction to our campaign, which is only at an early stage, is very good and the public is about to hear more from us?
One aspect of STD that your article did not cover is that we aim to work, in the first instance, via existing trade unions. All of the unions which truck drivers are members of (TGWU, URTU, USDAW etc) have democratic branch structures at which members decide policy—not the full-time officials, or the top people in the union who get all the publicity, but ordinary members such as truck drivers looking for a place to park at night.
We are the ones who should be determining what campaigns our unions are involved in. STD will be campaigning to reclaim our trades unions and use their power and strength in our campaign.
If our unions do not respond to our demand to campaign for reasonable facilities then we will go ahead without them. Any hint of a successful campaign and I am sure they will join with us.
If you wish to know more see our web site at www.geo cities.com/socialiisttruckditrers. Leave your comments on the Discussion Forum or ring Rachael Webb on 01273 673399.
Let's have a brew-up when we've parked in an MP's driveway if they do not take our concerns seriously!
Rachael Webb,
Brighton.
HIRE CHARGES
I read with interest the recent article in Commercial Motor on the prosecution of three companies for various offences relating to the unlicensed use of hired 7.5-tonne trucks which included one with a 58% overload (CM5-11 April, Legal News). Some hirers genuinely believe that 7.5 tonnes equals the payload!
Of course the vehicle hire firms were correct to say that they had no responsibility to advise clients on either 0licences or tachographs: just to make sure that the drivers had the correct licence category, for insurance purposes, But doesn't this highlight a serious loophole in Lord Attlee's proposed vehicle impounding legislation? Surely there ought to be an amendment to preclude vehicle hirers from, albeit unwittingly, aiding and abetting unlicensed use by people wishing to hire their trucks for commercial purposes?
Finally, this begs the question of the wisdom in allowing "private use" of vehicles at this size and weight by drivers who may have not driven anything bigger than a Ford Fiesta...haulage should be left to the professionals.
David S Boyes, Rodfane Transport, Leeds.
In reply to Trevor Johnson who asked for fictional stories to appear in the magazine (CM2228 March), may I suggest the following: the day's headlines, stock market news, TV and radio programmes, holiday information and DIY tips. And, not forgetting the ladies, makeup, dress patterns and advice for the lovelorn.
Instead of printing the usual rubbish (sic) which is obviously on the way out, concentrate on the above. It will save us all The sad picture in Sound Off CM5-11 April) is a reminder of the scene behind the smart Volvos, Scanias and MANs which we see on our motorways every day of the week.
It culminates in the even sadder picture, on page 83 of the same issue, of the dispersal sale of Brian Hams Ltd. Mr Harris has done exactly what Messrs Mayes and Watling fear most of all—and who can blame them?
The present government has no real concern for the haulage industry, otherwise it would have acted sooner and offered more help. The facts speak for themselves: a government that says to shipping companies and hauliers 'it is your job to make sure that no illegal immigrants are found on your property" is treating its own citizens with contempt.
Such an administration is guilty of wilful neglect of its frontiers. Presumably, if an enemy appeared on the beaches of Folkestone it would run down to welcome them ashore. There is only one way: dismiss the present government at the next general election. Whoever replaces them will not be perfect, but surely they will show more respect for their fellow countrymen.
In essence, this is really all the haulage industry is asking for.