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Hats off to Silbermann
Page 41
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I MUST take my hat off to JohnSilberrnann, the national.
chairman of the Road Haulage Association, for doing a good selling job on behalf of the exhibitors at the Road Transport Show at Brighton.
The show aimed to improve the public image of big lorries. While this was a gallant move on the RHA's part, it is a mammoth task. However, I feel, and a number of exhibitors would agree, that the Show had little impact on the public — not even the Brighton public knew we were there!
I overwhelmingly support the efforts of the Association, but the RHA needs the support and backing of both suppliers and operators. This industry is a -beast of burden" and it is most vital to our economy that operators should be allowed to go about their business with the minimum of interference or restriction.
Owners and fleet operators rely on hundreds of suppliers, from the vehicle dealer down to those supplying paint, tyres, and so on. Let salesmen know how essential the lorry is, as any discrimination against the industry could • also jeopardise their jobs. The manufacturers must deal with the operators in a forthright manner; operators must have a similar regard for drivers, who must have job status. It doesn't need me to tell the industry of the ill wind that is blowing against it — examples are the inauguration of the Windsor Cordon, proposals for banning commercial vehicles over weekends, and the idea held by some of the public that more goods can be put on the railways.
Should the Association, as I hope it will, hold another but better-publicised exhibition another year, stand-holders, and many were present at Brighton, should not be put off from participating by my remarks. My order book at the Brighton Show more than compensated for our outlay.
FRED HOPE, Managing Director, Hope Technical Developments Ltd, Ascot, Berks