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Stay legal block the road!
Page 66
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Ray Dickson reckons that when it comes to parking in London, oppression is too weak a word.
My favourite example of witty graffiti which I hope is not apocryphal is the following, allegedly observed beneath a "Welcome to Stratford-upon-Avon" sign: "...where parking is such sweet sorrow".
But for abject misery of course, driving into London is without peer.
The good people of Edinburgh recently voted against the introduction of a2 congestion charge (Analysis, CM 3 March). Good for them; at least they were given a choice. Such an opportunity was not extended to us Londoners by Mr Livingstone, who has apparently set up his own Fourth Reich in the capital judging by recent events. Mind you, given his recent outburst, comparisons with the Fuehrer might be inappropriate!
But remember, congestion charging is not the answer. It punishes businesses indiscriminately and can only work with a viable transport infrastructure.
Most London councils are fully aware of the millions of pounds raised through parking fines and employ subcontractors with an even greater desire to make easy money.They then let loose hundreds of black and yellow clad "gestapo-. who seem able to spot an HGV within seconds and descend upon it with the speed of a Messerschmitt 262 to slap a PCN on it.
There are at least 29 "offences" for hapless operators to choose from; the latest favourites being parking more than 500nun from the kerb, or parking with one or more wheels on the pavement. It is difficult enough to find a space to park in London; often there will be just enough space to squeeze between other vehicles. making tight alignment to the kerb an impossibility.
Additionally,common sense dictates that an HGV driver will often try to park with his nearside wheels on the kerb, simply to avoid blocking the road. Don't do it! We have instructed our drivers to park in the gutter and should this bring traffic to a standstill, well tough! Unfortunately, in Livingstone's London, ignorance is bliss. Isn't it about time that Darling. Livingstone and the powers that be started to become HGV friendly? The natives are getting restless.
I am sure that many other fairminded, law abiding transport operators, brassed off and sick to death of legislative overkill, have had more than enough and want something done.The RHA and FTA seem spineless and still the legislation mounts up, including the WTD (will we ever get a clear picture?), Lorry Road User Charge (highway robbery!) and the rebate system.
The western front
When will this stupid government realise the importance of road transport and the fact that companies such as mine are weighed down beyond reason with a mish-mash of legislation, foisted upon an industry that has neither the patience, time nor inclination to withstand their ECoriented nonsense.
This nation was instrumental in defeating a despot who wanted to persecute and destroy others 60 years ago. Sometimes I feel like we are in the middle of a blitzkrieg. Are we going to surrender or shall we fight for freedom?