DSA dissenter
Page 28
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The transport training industry has now come to the conclusion that the Driver Stations Agency has completely lost its marbles!
The majority of training companies are run on a relatively small scale, maybe one to three vehicles which cover all the categories required.
These LGV trainers have carried the industry through its ups and downs, supplying drivers of good calibre throughout the system.
Road accidents have not increased during the years; only the volume of heavy s vehicles on the road has led to an increase in accident rates You will never convince me that a theory test before a licence application will make a potential LGV driver more aware and thus reduce the accident statistics.
With the new system starting on 1 July a driver cannot even apply for his/her licence unless the theory test is passed. Fine, but why oh why can't he book one prior to 1 July? Why does he not get his results for up to three weeks and then only after several phone calls? Is it not possible for his result to be given there and then?
For goodness sake, these are people that actually WANT TO WORK! Now there's a revelation! The DSA tells us this is not possible. Virrhy not? If they spent less time waffling around the table they could get off their backsides and do it.
Even within the ranks of the DSA the dissension is such that we believe the system they are implementing will bring the entire training industry to a standstill.
This in turn will cause many to lose their livelihoods, giving rise to even more unemployment.
I feel sure that Mr Blair and his new strategy to reduce unemployment will love this.
Throughout the country since 1 January 1997 the training industry has had a rough deal. We don't mind new regulations in order to run in line with the EU, but for goodness sakes, DSA, talk to the industry—not, just to fat cats who seem to think they own the right to decide for everyone.
As a member of the Vocational Training Providers I feel sure that the DSA over the past two years has not listened to a word that has been said. Working parties have been set up, but they are mostly a mockery of the word democracy.
Most LGV trainers are now walking the tightrope between running into debt or closing down. This has come about by the stupidity—I stress this word—of a very few egomaniacs at the top of the tree in the DSA.
It would be most interesting to see who replies to this letter through your magazine. ALT Training Services, Bristol
Carry on pallets
Reading your news story and comment about pallet theft in the 19-25 June issue of Commercial Motor reminded me of my days working in army stores back in the 1970s.
With pay low, pallet disposal was a significant source of income for some drivers and clamping down was seen as "petty", given the value and danger of some of the loads carried on them.
One of our lieutenants got around the problem by having our pallets painted lwninous orange.
Drivers were then encouraged to recover them wherever they saw them by being given some small additional privileges.
DS Thompson, Hull