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Wasteful hauliers': secret report row
Page 5
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A SECRET local government report calling for a switch from road to rail freight for long hauls has provoked an angry reaction from the Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association, reports ALAN MILLAR.
The report has been prepared by the Association of Metropolitan Authorities, and, in its draft form, credits the FTA, RHA, British Road Federation, and the Lorries and the Environment Committee with providing assistance.
But the two main associations have been so incensed by its conclusions that they have asked to be disassociated from it, and have compelled the AMA to keep the report under wraps meantime. An AMA spokesman told CM that a final decision on publishing the report would probably be taken next week.
The AMA says that every effort should be made to encou rage the fullest development of rail freight in major conurbations, and it proposes stricter controls on the use of lorries.
Referring to some authorities' problems in dealing with fouteing and parking of lorries,
it says: -Highway authorities and central government should
'look again at the definition of strategic lorry networks and parking facilities, and the freight
industry must recognise and accept certain financial consequences.
It says that it is in the national interest for the rail network to be promoted, and says that this could be done by making Section 8 private sidings grants more readily available.
But it is probably the sweeping criticisms of the pre sent road-based freight system which have angered the two associations most.
The AMA says that there is insufficient contact between local authorities and industry on plans involving freight move ments, and adds that often depots are located on the basis of out-of-date or inaccurate transport data from the areas concerned.
And it takes a radical line over the future of road haulage, saying there is scope for the "existing purely representative and advisory role" of the FTA and RHA to change in future.
'There is a very strong tradition of competition within the private sector of road freight
operations,it says, and emphasises that wasteful
operation must be cut out if operators are to stay in business.
It wants the two associations and local authorities to cooperate so that urban deliveries and return loads are coordinated, and it wants this to be extended so that at least some trunk hauls are transferred to rail.
Other parts of the report reflect the industry's gradual move towards multi-modal freight complexes, but there is a strong feeling that some of the conclusions were reached in order to satisfy political rather than practical aims.
Other parts of the report reflect the industry's gradual, move towards multi-modal freight complexes, but there is a strong feeling that some of the conclusions were reached in order to satisfy political rather than practical aims.