Transport in opposition
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Depending on which newspaper you read, the general election will either be this autumn or next spring. If the pundits are right, there will be a new Government in power—the Labour Party. It recently put a new transport team into position: one, it seems, that is determined to form a transport policy.
by Nicky Clarke • He joined the Shadow transport team only two months ago but Graham Allen, the Labour Party's spokesman for roads, has lost no time in getting to grips with the road transport industry.
During his first week in office in November, appointed by Tony Blair to replace Michael Meacher, Allen told a meeting of bus operators in London that he would merge the Traffic Area Office Network and the Vehicle Inspectorate into one organisation responsible for road transport enforcement if Labour wins the next election (CM 16-22 November).
And he says he will consider lobbying the EU for refunds for international operators who have to buy vignettes to use major roads in some continental countries.
Such alacrity on the part of Allen might suggest transport is a subject dear to his heart. However, a glance at his CV shows a marked lack of involvement in the subject. Except for starting his career as a warehouseman, he has hitherto spent no time on transport issues. But his CV does show a passionate interest in human and civil rights and democratic reform— an interest for which he is well known. He is author of the booklet "Reinventing Democracy" and was responsible for democratic and constitutional affairs in Tony Blair's Home Office team throughout John Smith's leadership.
Indeed Allen spent most of our interview explaining how he will use the democratic process to call Secretary of State for Transport Sir George Young and his team to account over government transport policy.
As a member of the Statutory Instrument Committee he will be able to question transport ministers on pending legislation. This committee, comprising members from Parliament and the House of Lords, cannot debate the merits of a Statutory Instru-ment, but ensures that it conforms to the provi sions of the parent legislation and is properly drafted. Allen regards this process as an opportunity to "grill" government ministers—particularly his Tory counterpart Steven Norris—on issues ranging from tamper-proof tachos to greater penalties for operators who bully their drivers into breaking drivers' hours laws. He also promises to ask Parliamentary questions regularly.
Encouraging stuff so soon, you may say, but it is indicative of Allen's determined pragmatism: "He doesn't accept current folklore and likes creative solutions to problems," says Allen's research officer Bill Eyres.
Instrumental Allen, 42, has held his Nottingham North seat since 1987. During his political career he has held the position of spokesman on Social Security, Home Affairs and latterly with National Heritage. Here he was instrumental in forming Labour's agreement with BT, announced last October, to lift current restrictions on cabling rights in return for linking schools, hospitals and libraries to the information superhighway free of charge. Allen cites this as an example of how he successfully worked with an industry to reach agreement— an experience he wants to bring to transport operators.
"I'm interested in the transport industry's view and what we can achieve together," says Allen. He hopes to work with the majority of the industry and to see regulations for the small number "who spoil the industry for the legal operators".
Labour's commitment to a proper national debate on transport kicks off later this month when Allen, along with shadow secretary of state for transport Clare Short, talks about the basis of Labour policy at the Transport Policy for Britain conference.
We'll then have to wait another five months before a definitive policy document is published in the summer.
U For more information on Transport Policy for Britain, contact 0171 222 1280.