Boroughs shun lorry ban
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• Seven London boroughs are set to pull out of the Capital's lorry ban because it is "ineffective and costly". Bromley, Bexley, Croydon, Havering, Merton, Redbridge and Wandsworth have drafted proposals to change the ban so that it does not apply to their areas.
Proceedings against the ban have already started with the councils informing local organisations, such as resident associations, of the proposals. Dave Martin from Bromley Council's technical services says it will be a few months before the lorty ban is revoked, and he warns it could take even longer if several objections are lodged. He says: "Our proposals may have to be referred to Transport Secretary Paul Channon if there is a lot of opposition. This would mean a public enquiry and that could take quite a while."
The councils say that since the lorry ban has been in force there has been no significant change in delivery practices as every permit application has been successful. The ban was also put into force before the completion of the M25, which the councils say has reduced the flow of goods vehicle traffic in the Capital.
According to the councils, the drawbacks of the ban are the cost of administration, un