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Crippling Bans May Follow Judge's Findings on Birmingham Proposal
Page 41
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WIDESPREAD trade-crippling • bans on waiting vehicles in city streets may be triggered off by the publication, in Birmingham last week,,
of the findings of Judge A. H. Forbes, who conducted a public inquiry into Birmingham Corporation's proposed bans on parking in the city centre.
His views evoked "dismay and disappointment" from the Traders' Road Transport Association, said Mr. L. Patrick, secretary of the West Midland Division.
Should the proposals be enforced, trade, commerce and industry would suffer greatly, he added. The standing committee on traffic regulations, comprising 23 representatives of local organizations, met on Wednesday to discuss the matter.
Since the corporation's plans were approved by the Judge, they have now only to be passed by the watch committee before coming into operation in August.
If finally approved, the 23 new traffic orders will ban parking, apart from loading and unloading, on the near side of streets in the main city centre from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
More critically, it is felt, waiting bans will be imposed on the near side of 14 radial roads leading out of the city between 4.30 p.m.-6.30 p.m. on weekdays, and from 12 noon-2 p.m. on Saturdays. More parking restrictions in 13 other city streets, as well as at congested points outside the centre, are covered.
Only two classes of trader will obtain any relief from the restrictions. Newspaper vans and removal vehicles will not be affected.
In his report, Judge Forbes said: "I think it is impossible to form any estimate of the amount of loss and inconvenience that will result. I can only pay, with unavoidable vagueness, that I think it may be considerable, in spite a the fact that the hours of prohibition are short."
Referring to the serious and impressive objections raised by traders and distributors, the Judge said: "I have carefully considered whether I could make any recommendation that would be of assistance. But I regretfully find myself unable to do so, even in the case of distribution of milk and food."
Cases of special need and urgency could be dealt with by special permission, hut the scheme must be applied generally or not at all, he stated.
Commenting on the situation, Mr. Patrick said last week: "Traffic problems obviously pose difficulties, but if prio ities have to be introduced it is reasonable to suggest that the needs of business must come high on the list.
"They must rank at least equal with those of buses. Shops and business premises are completely dependent upon vans and lorries for their supplies. We still hope the council will see our point of view.