'Stupid' GLC ban
Page 5
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
TRANSPORT SECRETARY Nicholas Ridley has called on the Greater London Council to hold a public inquiry into its "stupid" proposals for a night time and weekend ban on heavy lorries in the capital, but the GLC is looking at possible exemptions.
In a tough warning to GLC transport committee chairman Dave Wetzel, Mr Ridley urged him not to do anything "rash" that could cost London jobs.
He told MPs that Marks and Spencer, which provided 14,000 jobs in London, had decided to site its next food depot outside London if such a ban came into effect, while Sainsbury had warned that 1,296 jobs could be at risk.
"I would not support the measures which inflicted damage on London's economy and I will not hesitate to use my reserve powers if necessary," he said.
Mr Wetzel, meantime, accused Mr Ridley of having a closed mind on the subject, but told CM that the GLC is prepared to make some exemptions.
He said: "Opinion is forming in favour of a ban at night and weekends," but added that High Street deliveries could be allowed between 9am and 11am on Saturdays as this would reduce the cost of a ban.