Heavier weights will do no good
Page 18
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AS AN organisation representing the interests of the owner operators of this country, who comprise over half of all road transport, we would like to express our opinion on two topical issues; heavier weights for trucks, and urban truck bans.
Although we have to agree with the Government and other haulage interests that there is no detriment to the environment by allowing heavier gross weights, we must state our opposition to the increase because of the loss of work and hence jobs. We would agree to a small increase to allow us to fit side and rear accident deflectors, more economic and silenced engines, and larger more comfortable sleeper cabs. We would also agree to a dispensation for vehicles on international work while on the UK leg of their journey, to allow us to compete with hauliers in the EEC and the rest of the Continent.
The only people who will actually benefit by an increase in weights are the manufacturers of vehicles, and large companies operating their own fleets to haul their own goods. You can be sure that the average haulage contractor will earn no better rates, but will be saddled with vastly increased costs.
On the subject of urban truck bans, no driver enjoys dragging through urban or village areas, and even the actual approach to the delivery point is a necessary evil.
The people to blame for the problems of lorries in places you don't think they should be are successive governments and their road building cuts, and the so-called conservationists who opposed such schemes as the London inner motorway box, and all other motorway schemes that have since been squashed. We could by now be out of sight on motorways where we are happier, burn less fuel, and have an easier time all round. The only time you would then see a truck, would be when it actually arrived at the local shop to deliver your goods.
Let us make no mistake, this country cannot survive without a healthy and competitive road haulage industry. Like it or not, there is no other way.
F. M. TAYLOR, Secretary.
United Kingdom Independent Truckers Assoc.
Borough Green. Kent.