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Minister meets BRS mechanics
Page 110
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• A detailed review of the BRS training procedures for mechanics was given to Peter Bottomley, Minister for Roads and Traffic, when he visited the BRS HGV Mechanic Craft Development Centre in Nottingham.
The Minister, who has recently expressed concern over the importance of truck maintenance in road safety, was also briefed on that matter.
BRS has 120 engineering locations in the UK where mechanics using computerised diagnostic equipment regularly service more than 13,000 vehicles a year. The craft development centre in Nottingham is an engineering training centre providing a full range of courses.
The Minister was able to talk to students about safety and watch them taking skill tests.
Bottomley watched a demonstration of a rolling road unit at a light vehicle and car workshop, before going on to a heavy goods vehicle workshop for a further briefing on maintenance and repair.
The Minister said: "Proper training is the best way of producing mechanics who are skilled in their work and knowledgeable in the business they represent. The main aim of vehicle training is to make Britain's roads safer — a badly maintained vehicle is a menace to life and limb. Correct training right from the start is absolutely vital and good instruction is the foundation of good training."
Government statistics in fact show a 5% reduction in road casualties in 1987, and BRS group managing director Ron Irons said: "Professional driver training and regular maintenance have a very important part to play.
"Vehicles operating within the industry are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex and represent major capital investment. Today, driver training and operating conditions require not only a high degree of skill and control, but also sound knowledge of procedures and relevant legislation."
• The AA/BRS Fleet Rescue Service operates a 24-hour service from Birmingham.