Rebate is not automatic
Page 46
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We have been following your series of articles on laying up vehicles and notice that in your issue of February 28 you deal with the question of vehicle insurance.
May we point out that it is unwise for operators to assume they will automatically receive a return of premium on laying up a vehicle. This could depend on the policy wording, and the standard wording for commercial vehicles insured with underwriting members of Lloyd's provides for premium adjustment in the event of substituting or adding further vehicles — but not for deleting vehicles.
In our case we reduced our fleet by 11 vehicles in August 1974 and our insurers maintain that they are not obliged to refund part of the premium because there is no provision for it in the policy.
C. M. WATCHMAN, Cedar Transport (Western) Ltd, Bideford, Devon
Tachograph costs
Reference Mr Bob Beckham's extraordinary tachograph cost figures reported in Commercial Motor March 14, the basic arithmetic is as follows: By January 1 1978: 600,000 vehicles at f 120 each (approx) = f 72m Thereafter — new vehicles at 75,000/year = 75,000 x £120 = £9m Operating costs and productivity payments to drivers are very much a matter for conjecture and my figures show a large plus for tachographs. F. KAY, Director & General Manager, Lucas Kienzle Instruments Ltd, Birmingham.
No spare
ON MARCH 17 I hired an 18 cwt Transit van from Hertz (Glasgow). On reaching home, 15 miles from their depot. I was surprised to notice that it had no spare wheel.
The period of the hire was 08.00 on the 17th until 08.00 on the 18th. On my return (at 08.00)1 was told that the refund due (about £4) could not be paid until after 09.30. Could I wait until then? On replying in the negative I was told it would be posted to me from Head Office in about ten days' time.
When lenquiredwhatoneshoulddo in the event of a puncture the answer was "Just 'phone us!' Comforting coming over Shap at 2 am. Their depot is only open office hours, 8-4 approx.
D. A. LIVINGSTONE Kilsyth