FTA bids for 40 tonnes
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THE HRST shots in what promises to he a long and acrimonious battle for 41) tonne lorries in Britain were tired in the first few days of the year.
The Freight Transport Association gave a till .111C e warning that it is to issue a document soon in which it will spell out a renewed case for raising the maximum weight limit from 38 tonnes.
It is designed to coincide with this year's harmonisation of EEC weight limits for cross-border work which permit 40 tonners in all states other than Britain and Ireland.
Britain (with Ireland ttlliiig into line with our requirements) has been granted a derogation from the regulations, ostensibly because the Gaye r 'Intent has sought a breathing space for work to be done on strengthening bridges and roads, but largely because it cannot count on its back benchers supporting heavier lorries.
Last year, EEC Commis ion s pok es in en s u g gest ed that Britain might be granted three live-Vear derogations from the weights directive, preventing British operators from running 40-tonners until the end of the century.
The FLA says its report will state a Case for 40-tonners on the basis of what has happened since the rise from 32.5 to 38 tonnes in 1983 and experience in Europe, including development of air suspension.
It will be supported in principle by the Road Haulage Association. whose international hauliers are particularly keen to be able to compete equally with their European competitors as soon as possible.
But in a statement issued this week, the RHA said: We ire currently debating the issue at national council level, and it must be borne in mind that it would not be of
benefit of our members." I lie reaction from opponents of a weight increase has been swift. Transport 2000, the environmental pressure group, says it has been C.:pecting a campaign front the industry for some time. Deputy director Susie Ohlenschlager told CAL "It doesn't conk: as a surprise. We will oppose it very strongly at every opportunity."
Liberal Party leader David Steel criticised the PTA campaign, saying it is "another bid by the road transport lobby for a further slice of national infrastructure investment to be devoted to their needs-.
And anti-EEC Tory MP Teddy Taylor. who described 40-winters as "frightening
monsters-, called on the G eminent to that it, not the EEC, determined weight of lorries permitted British roads.
The PTA hit back at politicians' remarks. sayi "These are typical of the ! of glib comments made sonic MPs who shoot fi the hip without reading facts.'' Britain's 38 tonne wei limit is currently shared v France, West Germany Spain; Belgium, Luxe bourg, Denmark and Ii have a 44 tonne limit; and Netherlands has a 50 to: limit on trunk routes_