What a letdown!
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AT LAST we know. After years of debating and reporting, gross vehicle weights have been increased. But not by as much as they should have been.
The Minister took the easy way out by giving the industry the smallest practical increase. He appeased his own backbenchers and did not upset the environmentalists in the country.
We agree with Albert Booth, the Opposition transport spokesman, when he said: "This is appalling legislation." Our reasoning, however, is different from his.
The industry will benefit only marginally from the extra six tons. The third axle, under-run bumpers and side guards will bring the additional carrying capacity down to around four tons.
The ft-rat people to benefit will be those who are running overloaded at present.
Unlike David Howell, we cannot see any noticeable reduction in the numbers of vehicles on the road as a result.
But the politicians must not be made to shoulder all of the blame for this "Act of Appeasement". Where was the loud voice of the industry when the 44-tonne limit was abandoned?
• We predict that the whole matter will lie doggo for a few years and then yet another protracted debate wilt open up.
Unless — that is — someone uses the Parliamentary procedure of making an order in council to raise the limit to 44 tonnes in two years' time. It can be done.
We also predict that few TGWU. members will follow their union's Luddite advice to black 38-tonners.