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• If Labour wins the next election, hauliers can expect tougher enforcement, new lorry bans, restrictions on night operations and more goods to be moved by rail. A Labour government would also switch the responsiblity for roads and the issuing of HGV and 0-licences from the DTp to the hands of local authorities.
The full extent of the Opposition's official transport policy was revealed this week in its Fresh Directions document. In it, Labour says its "plans for an integrated freight system are not designed to attack or defend any particular type of transport. They aim rather to eliminate the distortions which lead to choices in road transport, which may result in inefficiency and may do damage to our environment."
According to Labour: "Many of the problems of road freight are caused by the inadequate enforcement of existing laws. Nobody profits from this — except the cowboy operators". Labour would take firm action "to ensure the highest pos sible safety standards and to protect the environment".
Labour's transport policy as laid out in Fresh Directions, includes plans to: Introduce more spot checks on lorry loading, safety and environmental regulations. D Draw up plans for siting weighbridges and check centres on national highways, with a major network of secure lorry parks. D Use the Construction and Use Regulations to improve safety standards and reduce the environmental damage caused by lorries.
Maintain the present 38tonne maximum weight litffit.
Improve and enforce rules on drivers' hours which minimise the likelihood or any driver becoming a danger on the road through fatigue — Labour would also negotiate with the EEC for chances in the current rules.
Encourage the banning of through lorries from all minor roads; restrictions on night movements; and a lorry parking ban in residential areas.
D Enforce strict rules on the carriage of dangerous goods.
▪ Bring in tougher penalties for companies found guilty of breaking regulations recommended by the 1978 Foster Committee Report.
Transfer responsibility for the issuing of HGV and operator licensing to local authorities, in accordance with regulations laid down by central government.
▪ Give extra funding and powers to local authorities for enforcement.
▪ Provide a properly enforced system of operator licensing to ensure that operators meet acceptable standards of environmental protection, safety and working conditions, and that depots are located in appropriate areas where they will not cause undue disturbance.
In addition to these items, a Labour Government would "begin a programme of building transhipment centres outside our major connurbations," which would include secure