Clarke: our main concern
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JUNIOR Transport Minister Kenneth Clarke hit back at the anti-lorry environmentalists this week, accusing them of too often being ill informed.
Speaking to the South Eastern Region of the Freight Transport Association, Mr Clarke said that he is frequently accused of being in the pocket of the FTA, its members and the roads lobby. "It is nothing of the kind," he said.
Looking at the proposals in the' White Paper on lorries, people, and the environment, Mr Clarke said that the principal beneficia ries will be the customers of the road haulage industry. "We make no apologies, particularly in this time of recession, for being influenced by strong economic reasons. But our main concern is environmental."
He said that the Department of Transport is sure that the proposals would result in favour of quieter and fewer lorries. "But unfortunately because this included a reference to lorry weights it has given rise to a totally disproportionate amount of emotional and ill informed comments.
"Contrary to the opinion of the anti road lobby the Department is satisfied that increased weights will lead to less road damage. The changes proposed will be changes for the better."