N ICHOLAS RIDLEY will find few supporters in the industry for
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his privatisation plans for bridges and tunnels. Already both the Road Haulage and Freight Transport Associations have voiced their opposition.
If Mr Ridley believes that the associations arc not necessarily voicing the views of their members then he should talk to operators who use the esturine crossings.
The Minister must realise that the road transport industry contributes greatly in taxation to the national exchequer. He must also realise that every financial imposition placed on the industry must be carried eventually by the public through increased transport rates.
Mr Ridley and his civil servants may get tired of hearing us say that all taxes and tolls, save petrol tax, should be abolished. We will not tire of saying it.
No logical arguments have been advanced against the scheme, and th are plenty in its favour. To say it wc be too difficult to administer is a nonsense. We suspect it is a case of civil servants protecting jobs. If we correct in this suspicion then it is unforgiveable.
If we are wrong let them say so. .2 same time let them put their argumc the test by detailing their reasons publicly. CM offers them space to d We also invite Members of Parliat to open the subject for debate, or dc consider it too trivial to merit parliamentary time? That is a commn enough attitude to other road transp issues.
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