Letters to Fleet News’ editor Martyn Moore.

Balancing views of ‘experts’

I concur with Steve Johnson’s comments “Firms hit back at online test critics” (Fleet News, July 5) about the unqualified opinion expressed by Mr Leech, of cfc solutions.

This was no more than an attempt by Mr Leech to trash the opposition and push products he is associated with. Quite frankly, I am amazed that you printed the article without doing some homework on the subject.

I would be interested to know what qualifications Mr Leech has that make him feel he can make statements with any credibility.

I have written before about the so called qualified and expert opinions expressed by the increasing crop of risk management consultants who continue to cloud the water and confuse fleet and health and safety managers trying to address occupational road risk while still allowing their business to function practically.

However, you still seem happy to give these people space without researching whether what they are saying actually carries any weight, or seeking alternative views to print alongside their comments to balance the subject.

Fortunately, clients are becoming more educated in what they are buying and will research products before purchasing systems to assist them in fulfilling their obligation to provide a suitable and sufficient risk assessment process for drivers.

A little more balance, please?

Wouldn’t it be a good exercise to survey how many driving risk management and driving training companies actually employ qualified health and safety profess-ionals who assist them in formulating their risk management processes and also what research they use when evaluating products? I think your readers may find the results interesting.

STUART GEMMELL,
Motor fleet risk manager, Driving Services

Vinegar solution to wiper problem

Having read your article on wiper problems (Fleet News, July 19), I felt the RAC Auto Windscreens technical manager might benefit from my experience.

I no longer have a problem with sticking or noisy wiper blades. I simply clean them with vinegar on a tissue. This process, if undertaken on a regular basis, will also extend the life of the wiper blades. My car is four years old (60,000 miles) and the original blades are still working like new.

JEFF HAMPSON,
ProTec distributor Southern Region