Turvey wants a campaign
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THE ENTIRE transport industry must adopt a unified public profile if it is to earn a better image with the public, Freight Transport Association deputy director general Garry Turvey said last weekend.
Mr Turvey, who was addressing the Chartered Institute of Transport at Lancaster University, said the combination of a keener and more informative promotional effort with a unified multi-modal approach would help the industry.
If all sectors of the industry, and the Department of Transport, explained to the public how important transport is, then some of the public abuse, overbearing legislation, increased costs and impeded efficiency would disappear.
He suggested that lorry operators could help by adopting economic and environmental good sense. They should select the type of vehicle least likely to cause public offence and should maintain it in such a fashion as to provide the best impression, both in terms of safety and cleanliness.
Drivers should be encouraged to take the maximum care, parking with discretion, selecting routes with tact, and above all driving with the utmost safety and consideration.
Mr Turvey said it was vital that knocking comments between transport modes should be stopped. They confuse the public and are unproductive for the industry, he said.
"It is perfectly feasible for road, rail and water, for passenger and freight to promote their services and benefits without resorting to the need to snipe at each other.
"The user, whether freight or passenger, will inevitably make his choice of what suits him best for his specific purposes. The dog-eat-dog public face of transport really benefits nobody," Mr Turvey went on.
Turning his attention to the role of the DTp, Mr Turvey said the industry is entitled to expect that the Department would advocate its case willingly and with enthusiasm when its voice is competing in the Cabinet with that of the Departments of Environment, Agriculture and the Home Office, among others.
• CM's campaign to improve the industry's image is gaining momentum. A video presentation is being shown to major vehicle manufacturers.