Your opinion

No problems with MIB database

AFTER reading several letters about the MIB database causing fleets problems, I am beginning to wonder if I am missing something.

The latest letter ‘Insurance database should be simpler’ (Fleet News, November 16) says a fleet manager finds updating the database is possibly her worst task.

I run a fleet of 90 cars and have found that submitting details to the MIB database is far easier than having to advise the insurance company each time there is a change. Maybe the access to the database is different depending on which insurance company you use.

I cannot recall having any problems accessing it at all. It takes a maximum of about two minutes to enter a new vehicle and even less time to remove one.

I am not suggesting other people are not competent in updating their records, just that if it is an insurance company-related access problem it may be worth considering this on renewal. If only the congestion charge was this easy.

Fran Martin
Fleet controller, Fibernet UK

Paint pots can give you a lift

AS an avid reader of Fleet News, I notice many articles, editorials, comments and conferences deal with health and safety, corporate manslaughter, RIDDOR, risk assessment and many other subjects too numerous to mention.

There is continual publicity that frightens the living daylights out of those of us who attempt to make our living providing such services while looking out for the health and safety of our work colleagues.

So it is pleasing to note that the construction industry is showing the way: ‘Painters prefer All-in-One’ (Fleet News November 2). With the advent of the ‘working at heights regulations’ and the restriction of the use of step ladders, it would seem paint tins can give you the lift you need.

I have a driver who has trouble reaching the pedals. I wonder if it would help if I tied paint tins to his feet. I have looked in the regulations and cannot find a mention of paint tins but it must be OK if it’s in Fleet News.

Graeme Fisher
By email

Too much light is full of danger too

I GUESS I’m the only soldier in the army out of step over the daytime lighting issue.

As a pedestrian I find it harder at night, because I’m dazzled by all the bright lights.

As a cyclist I avoid going out at night because most motorists deem it perfectly OK to dazzle oncoming cyclists.

As a driver I would prefer to use only sidelights in built-up areas in the day.

If we all drive at safe speeds and with enough lighting to be seen but not to dazzle other road users, our eyes will be correctly adjusted to the conditions. This would mean we would be able to see not only where we are going, but also the pedestrian about to step out from behind a car, or the cyclist manoeuvring through the traffic.

Unfortunately, I find it necessary to use dipped headlights as a form of self-preservation.

My dipped headlights are adjusted correctly so I don’t dazzle other road users. I’d estimate that 40% of drivers don’t have their lights adjusted correctly.

There are also the drivers who don’t know how to dip their headlights, and those whose reactions are so slow they’re almost upon you before they do dip.

I therefore suffer from two major problems: