Im a new lgv driver, i have recently obtained work. Theres a few issues that im really not happy with which i have reported to my employer as to date none have been rectified.
warning lights on dash staying lite.
left indicator not working.
chunk of rubber out of the tyre tread.
front bumper both side damaged and jagged.
side marker light not working.
Ive reported these but nothing has been repaired, he assures me that im not driving illegally but i think i am. Its either drive with the vehicle in this condition or loose my job.
1 May or may not be legal, depending on which warning lights are on.
2 is illegal
3 May or may not be - depends how big a chunk and how deep
4 probably illegal (dangerous parts)
5 illegal.
If it’s just a couple of blown bulbs you could easily fix them yourself (I assume he has some spares?). But if he won’t fix the other stuff, time to walk, I’d say - it’s your licence…
As you obviously already know, you as the driver are responsible for checking lights, tyres and bodywork.
Stick something in writing with the reg number and the defects, take a copy and ask for boss to sign your copy. “Could you sign this to say you know about these defects please”. If he won’t then I would politely say that I’m not willing to take it out until at a minimum the indicator and the tyre are fixed. Take a printout of this with you to work in case:
Note that the operator license holder must “have a system to ensure that non-roadworthy vehicles are taken out of service” and this one sounds unquestionably non-roadworthy.
Both are routine simple maintenance jobs. They are surely going to have to be sorted at the next 8 week check anyway so it’s not saving him money waiting.
Everything is relative - I would not refuse to take a vehicle out with one side marker not working. But if the dash lights are anything to do with air pressure I would not move it.
If the indicator isn’t just the dash or side repeater bulb I would want that doing before I took it out.
Can’t necessarily automatically condemn on the rest on the basis we get a lot of newbies that have refused to take vehicles out because the cruise control stalk is broken or have developed special powers to determine a truck is overladen just by looking at it.
buster123:
Ive reported these but nothing has been repaired, he assures me that im not driving illegally but i think i am. Its either drive with the vehicle in this condition or loose my job.
You are driving illegally. And because you’ve done your walk round checks, noted the defects and still taken it out then you’ve thrown away any defence you may have had.
The last company I drove for wouldn’t let you out of the yard with a blown marker bulb.
One way to sort it out is what I had to do with one place I drove for that was like yours and that is to voluntarily pull into a VOSA vehicle checkpoint, voice your concerns to the VOSA vehicle inspectors pointing out the defects, say that they wont do anything about it and because you’re a new driver you’re worried about your job if you push it with the boss and refuse to drive it. They’ll quite happily issue a prohibition notice/defect rectification notice and that’ll definitely make sure the boss fixes it.
When the boss asks why you were pulled you just say it was probably because of the way the bumper looks.
You know its not right defect each item on a separate sheet hand thdm all in and refuse to take it till the required defects to make it road legal are done.
If they get the hump make sure they make it clear what you have to do then walk and claim unfair dismissal. Photograph defects etc and report to Vosa with the evidance.
Wether its a bulb out or other defect that makes the vehicle as vosa would argue UnRoad worthy why should you take the risk and penulty.
Its about time drivers said NO
Its your choice, work there and put up with the illegality of the firm and eventually get a pull as if he runs all the trucks like that he will get a red flag and you are on for a huge fine and possible further repercussions, or walk, look for another job with a clean license and knowing your legal. Of course a new job may take time but at least your record allows you a new job
Your choice but I would run rather than walk away
Thanx everyone for your replies. Ive decided to go in on monday, with all relevant information and have a chat with the boss. This could go either way, but i certainly wont be driving for him until all defect are rectified, so if he want to sack me then thats his choice,but i will contact the relevant organisations with my evidence.
buster123:
Thanx everyone for your replies. Ive decided to go in on monday, with all relevant information and have a chat with the boss. This could go either way, but i certainly wont be driving for him until all defect are rectified, so if he want to sack me then thats his choice,but i will contact the relevant organisations with my evidence.
Take photos of these defects they might come in handy.
