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Ministry Thinking of Goods Meters ?
Page 58
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FROM OUR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT
THE principle of making goods vehicles pay for time spent on public roads waiting their turn for loading or unloading at docks, wharves and markets is, I understand, being closely considered at the Ministry of Transport. This question of " waiting " in special circumstances is quite distinct from the actual business of loading and unloading, for which provision is normally made in private-car parking-meter schemes. It is, I am told, also divorced at present from the specific case of Bristol, where negotiations between the local authority and interested organizations are progressing amicably.
The chief point at issue so far as the Ministry is concerned has been raised by the replanning of some London streets adjacent to wharves and docks, among them Lower Thames Street. One idea being studied in the Ministry, I understand, is that such streets should, where convenient, be closed to private cars but that chargeable parking meters specifically for goods vehicles be installed.
The Ministry has been in contact with operators' organizations on this subject, which is almost certain to meet strong objections, especially as the precedent set by any decision regarding London is likely to have a nationwide effect.