Preservation and the tacho
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I BUY CM every week, particularly as I am interested in all forms of road transport, and especially as I own a half-share in an ex-Green Line AEC RF (Regal IV).
However, I was particularly drawn to your article on tachographs (Know the Law) when reading the contents list in the July 26 issue as I am, to say the least, uncertain what the law is on the requirement to fit tachographs on vehicles that are "preserved" in running order, yet not used as psvs or for the carriage of goods, etc.
On reading your very clear and unambiguous explanation of who, what and where, I was disappointed to note that there does not seem to be any relaxation of the law in respect of "preserved" vehicles that would otherwise have to be fitted with tachos.
If the article is correct, as no doubt it is, in order for, say, our coach to run on the road on its basically original condition, that is without a tacho, she will have to be put out to work on a regular bus or coach service.
With the advent of the Transport Act, we might be able to do that, otherwise we are forced to spend out a considerable sum for the tacho, and end up with a vehicle that could not be in a condition representative of its service life. Is this a lack of thought by the powers-that-be, or some other more inexplicable reason?
I find CM most readable, and very informative. The classifieds are always useful for trying to find a supplier of parts for old psvs, and when you contact the suppliers they are almost always sympathetic to the problems of running a vintage vehicle.
I was pleasantly surprised at Leyland Vehicle's friendliness and readiness to help. It is nice to know that Leyland will do their best to help supply parts for obsolete ex-Leyland company vehicles.
So, keep up the present standard, and perhaps you Might like to consider an article on the plight of owners such as myself. All our efforts are voluntary, and most of our salaries are spent on keeping our vehicles running, or restoring. We're the paupers of the transport world, and yet we enjoy it!
DAVID 0. HAYWARD Hounslow Middlesex Our law expert Les Oldridge is working on the knotty problem of "preserved" vehicles, and will reply next week. — Editor.