King's Lynn ban 'affront'
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ROAD HAULAGE Association vice-chairman Ken Rogers slammed a Norfolk commercial vehicle ban as "an affront to democracy" last week. Speaking at King's Lynn, Mr Rogers said that the ban on vehicles over 3 tons through the centre of the town made a mockery of the general public's trust in public inquiries.
The speech follows a decision by the Norfolk County Council to ban heavy vehicles from passing through the town centre despite a decision from a local planning inquiry in favour of objectors to the order.
"What is the point of holding an inquiry when its purpose is no more than window dressing to give the impression of public participation," he asked. "We readily accepted and actively participated in this inquiry," said Mr Rogers.
He warned that King's Lynn would soon be reduced to the status of a "pretty picture on a postcard" without its trade and industry.
Priorities
"This is surely a matter of values. There is, and must continue to be, a correct balance in our priorities — it would be a foolish person who pretends that lorries do not have an impact on environment and our life styles," said Mr Rogers.
The benefits of the lorry had to be weighed against its impact to ensure that the town remained a centre of economic activity, he said.