DfT adamant it would not consider Sunday lorry ban
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By Robin Meczes
THE DEPARTMENT for Transport (DFT) has roundly rejected the idea that it might consider introducing a Sunday ban for LGVs on UK motorways.
The idea was floated last week by president of the Institute of Highway Engineers, Richard Hayes, as a way to tackle congestion. He said he would be writing to roads minister Mike Penning to suggest the DfT consider it as part of its plan to reform the strategic road network (CM 5 July). The move drew fire from a variety of operators and the transport industry’s main trade associations.
A DfT spokeswoman says: “It’s not something we would consider.” Penning also confirmed in a written statement to CM: “We are not contemplating any ban on Sunday travel for LGVs.
“The cost to the economy through delayed delivery times and increased congestion at other peak periods means it would not be an effective option for the UK.” A spokesman for Hayes says he will still write to the minister with the suggestion in light of regulation in other EU countries, but adds: “If he has a similar response from Mike Penning to his letter, I have no doubt he’ll move on to other matters.”