'No benefit in ban'
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CLAIMS by the Greater London Council that London-based hauliers may benefit from the proposed night and weekend ban for lorries over 16.5 tonnes have been totally dismissed by a London haulier. And two days before a decision was due to be made (December 12) the GLC refused to say whether it would hold a public inquiry.
At a press conference on Monday GLC industry officer Nick Lester said that because of the possibility of out-of-London firms not applying for permits, London-based hauliers might gain some advantage.
But Road Haulage Association traffic committee chairman Michael Taylor told CM that there would only be an advantage for London firms if out-oftown hauliers were refused permits.
He said outside hauliers would apply for permits so that they could continue their work, and no advantage would be gained. "The GLC has seriously under-estimated the problem of the flood for permits," he said.
RHA South-Eastern district manager Alan Gidley agreed, and added: "It's all jam tomorrow." He said the GLC would give permits first and then start clamping down.
GLC transport committee chairman Dave Wetzel told the press conference that a public inquiry would only be held if it could shed further light on the issues, or if it would "turn up anything new". That decision was to be made at the meeting of the transport committee on Wednesday this week, after we closed for press.
Mr Wetzel also said that if Transport Secretary Nicholas Ridley was unhappy if the GLC pressed ahead with a ban, it would be "politically damaging" for the Government which already was unpopular with its plans to abolish the GLC.
GLC freight head Keith Buchan said that if a ban was introduced, the GLC would "monitor the scheme" even though the police would enforce the law. It may take a tougher line, especially with hauliers who persistently ignored the ban. The GLC could take out injunctions against hauliers who persistently ignored the ban.
Transport 2000, the national environmental group of which Mr Lester is a former director, was urging the GLC last week to go ahead with its lorry ban.
Its current director, Susan Hoyle, said: "The present GLC had a manifesto commitment to curb the damage done by lorries in London; although it has not been idle, we fear that it may be losing its nerve.
"Its record for public consultation on its proposals is outstanding. The issues have been identified and a workable scheme devised. Now it is time for the GLC to give the scheme the go-ahead."