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Call to end night restridions
Page 16
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Guy Sheppard reports on the furore surrounding FTAs radical proposal SCRAPPING NIGHT-TIME delivery restrictions would cut HGV traffic growth by more than half, according to the Freight Transport Association.
It is urging local authorities and central government to review all such limits, arguing that technology has greatly reduced truck noise and air pollution.
The Department for Transport says goods vehicle traffic rose by 1% over the last year, and predicts that the increase between 2000 and 2010 will amount to 6%. FTA chief economist Simon Chapman says growth would be cut to only 2.8% if delivery time restrictions were removed. "The FTA recognises that total removal is neither practical nor appropriate." he comments. -Nevertheless, substantial reductions in HGV traffic can be achieved to the benefit of business and communities alike."
He adds that if hauliers could avoid peak congestion periods more easily, they would use fewer vehicles and cover less mileage. But environmental pressure group Transport 2000 disagrees,claiming that while trucks are quieter, there are more of them. Spokesman Steve Hounsham says: "We're going to have to wait a long time before communities are willing to allow lorries to rumble down their roads in the middle of the night."
Nick Lester. director of transport and environment for the Association of London Government. says restrictions are to be relaxed in two parts of London as an experiment next year. "I can see some sense in what the FTA says. But in residential areas, local authorities have a legal obligation to minimise noise nuisance at night."