'Keep DOT separate'
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• The first plea of the Freight Transport Association to the country's new Government will be to retain the Department of Transport's independence.
Outgoing FTA president Graham Miller says: "Transport is a key economic driver. It underpins our industrial performance. Meeting the challenges will prove impossible if there is no-one at the cabinet table with the prime responsibility of arguing the transport cause, or if transport is seen as a second tier in a broader range of responsibilities."
Both major parties have toyed with the idea of scrapping the IX)T.
Insiders say Labour is considering replacing it with a combined transport/environment "super ministry" headed by John Prescott if they gain power.
A similar proposal is said to have landed on the desk of Michael Heseltine with the support of former Transport Minister Brian Mawhinney (CM 18-24 April 1996).
Miller also called for Britain to recognise the need for increased investment in transport, and warns that people should expect to pay more for transport.