News and views with James Tute - every Friday in the EchoWhite Van Man - is it goodbye?
First published March 14, 2008
THERE was good visual gag on Top Gear many years ago - I'm thinking of the early Nineties here.
They were test-driving a supercar, a Lamborgini I think.
However fast it went on the test track, there was always a white transit van in its rear view mirror flashing its lights and beeping its horn.
White Van Man is, undoubtedly, an icon.
I've never quite known whether to loath him or sympathise.
On the one hand, I sometimes put the aggressive driving down to the pressures of his life.
You know, trying to put food on the table for Mrs White Van Man and a couple of White Van Man Jnrs, while at the time Boss of White Van Man is constantly telling him: "Be late for one more pick-up and you're for the boot, mate."
On the other hand, he might be running late because he spends too much time eating fry-ups and looking at the pictures in the Daily Star.
Anyway, all this might change with a new law coming in next month - Boss of White Van Man, take note.
Basically, if you are responsible for a fatal crash while working, your company could be charged with Corporate Manslaughter.
Police will be looking at what the firm did to check you are fit to drive, your vehicle was fit to be driven and whether the time available for the journey was reasonable.
So enjoy White Van Man (from a safe distance) while you can - he may not be around for much longer.
7:10am Friday 14th March 2008
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