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Germany says 'go' but cushions hauliers

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10th November 1967

Page 90

Page 90, 10th November 1967 — Germany says 'go' but cushions hauliers

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From a special correspondent

APPROVAL in principal for the Leber plan to switch heavy road traffic to rail was given last week by the West German Cabinet. This quick move on the proposals drawn up by the Minister of Transport (CM, October 13) is due in part to Herr Leber's obvious intention to prevent the impetus of his plans being dissipated by opposition from road hauliers and vehicle manufacturers—which is building up.

But the German government already has plans to soften the blow for road transport operators. It is to set up an investment fund of over £4m to help transport operators adapt their businesses—notably by re-equipping with smaller vehicles for local work.

And the extra tax on heavy commercial vehicles is not to be swallowed up in Federal funds but is to be set aside to ease the burden of the transport changes on industry. The first year's heavy lorry tax is likely to raise about £35m.

Meanwhile the Leber plan is causing the expected stir in EEC circles. Although the German Minister has given assurances that his proposals will dovetail into Common Market transport plans, there is a strong lobby which believes that rapid progress on national transport plans of this scope will sink any final hopes of an EEC transport policy.

Perhaps with this as a spur, the European Parliament's transport committee has sent a sharply worded five-point questionnaire to the EEC Commission asking for quick answers— and plans for action—on common transport • TWO Tunnel Glucose Ltd. drivers, Mr. W. J. Norman and Mr. K. Kiddie, were committed for trial at the Inner London Quarter Sessions from Greenwich magistrates' court last week, accused of perjury in connection with false records of drivers' hours of work. Three other drivers were committed For trial similarly by the court when all five men appeared on October 19.