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Put trucks first

27th November 1997
Page 28
Page 28, 27th November 1997 — Put trucks first
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Irefer to an article headed "Trucks make way for London buses" (CM 6-12 November). I cannot agree with the contents. I think rather than Clive Hudson making facetious comments about "drivers in white transit vans being dyslexic", he should address the problem that faces us all: traffic congestion as a whole.

While targeting the CV, how does he expect supplies to get into the shops in London? My business is dedicated to distribution into high-street shops and faces ever increasing problems with restrictions.

These include decreasing time windows into major stores, increasing numbers of no-go areas, and unreasonable restrictions on loading/ unloading times, particularly in London. Traffic wardens will stand by and watch a dri ver unload and wait until he enters the establishment, then issue a ticket.

In my opinion bus lanes should be made available for essential traffic, which I consider CVs to be. While the general public want to move around the city as quickly as possible, I am sure they also want the ever-increasing choice of goods to get into the shops. How can transport operators be expected to distribute to retail outlets with more and more restrictions every day?

If politicians such as Glenda Jackson would address the overall problem in a constructive manner in which all sectors could be kept moving, this would be far more acceptable than a one-sided view concerning passenger transport only.

As is usually the case, people in a decision-making position rarely seek any view from "streetwise" transport people who try to run a successful operation against ever-increasing policies by illinformed people.

Why not listen to knowledgeable organisations such as the RI-IA and PTA to arrive at the best all-round solution, rather than attack the haulage industry on every occasion possible?

Mike Birch, Managing director, Mike Birch Ltd, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs.

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Locations: Stoke-on-Trent, London

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