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R.H.A. Jibs at 'Inflexible, Underestimated' Tunnel
Page 60
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'['HE Road Haulage Association is idismayed by the decision of the Government on a Channel link. The R.H.A. says it seems to take insufficient account of most of the alternatives to a rail tunnel which have been put forward and is based on far too low an estimate of the amount of traffic which would use a suitable channel link.
The statement goes on: "The flexibility which is the main advantage of road haulage will be seriously diminished if vehicles have to depend on rail transport with the consequent delay caused by marshalling, congestion at the tunnel terminals and the priority likely to be given to private cars. A fixed link such as a bridge, which would ensure freedom of movement for road vehicles under their own power, is much more in accord with the needs of the second half of this century when road traffic is increasing and rail traffic is diminishing.
"The size of a ,rail tunnel is bound to impose considerable restrictions on the passage of rail-borne commercial road vehicles and will preclude entirely the passage of some types of traffic. This is particularly regrettable at a time when commercial vehicle weights and dimensions both on the Continent and in Britain are likely to increase.
"If there is no chance of changing the Government's regrettable decision, the road haulage industry would seek to insist on a number of conditions and safeguards to protect the interests of road users. These would include independent operation of the tunnel and the provision of adequate approach roads."