Keep off the road
Page 4
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The offending clause which was introduced to the Transport Bill giving British Rail the right to carry goods by road has been removed — and all would seem well. The fact is that as holders of an 0 licence, there is still nothing to stop British Rail carrying goods by road. The only way to stop -them operating road vehicles is to ensure they do not have an 0 licence.
British Rail's function in transport is long-haul work. Its activities should start and end at railway termini. Road transport collection and delivery services can best be provided by those who specialise in the work — road transport operators.
During NFC's reign as Freightliners' controllers, road transport men demonstrated their willingness to use the long-haul service. If this goodwill is to continue and if BR's Freightliner service is to continue to be profitable, then its activities must be concentrated on the business it knows best, rail transport. _ BR has a monopoly in the rail freight business. Let them get down to proving that they know how to move traffic fast between two points and they will soon be embarrassed by the amount of traffic on offer. But keep them off the roads.