RHA hits out at GLC campaign
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THE GREATER London Council's plans for a £90,000 publicity campaign to support its quest for a ban on lorries over 32.5 tonnes has been dismissed as "totally misconceived" by the Road Haulage Association.
In a statement released last week, the RHA said the campaign pre-empts the findings of the Wood Inquiry into the possible effects of various more severe restrictions on lorries in Greater London, and which is due to report in late Spring.
"Inevitably, such a campaign will present a one-sided view and will ignore the fact that heavier vehicles up to 38-tonnes gross weight will bring economic benefits at no disadvantage to the environment," it said.
It added that heavier vehicles would bring economic benefits for everyone, and went on: "A far more sensible approach would be for the GLC to await the findings of the Wood Inquiry before wasting public money on an ill-conceived campaign."
The GLC is determined to launch the campaign before May, when 38-tonners will be legalised, and it already has engaged advertising agent Norman, Craig and Kummell to organise it. This is the agency which already has handled the GLC's campaigns on public transport fares and against the current Transport Bill. A budget was expected to be approved by the finance committee this week, with £25,000 to be spent on advertisements in local newspapers, ethnic magazines and certain other magazines.
Another £20,000 will be spent on radio advertisements urging the public to attend meetings on the subject. More overtly political advertising is not permitted on radio or tv.
£25,000 will be spent on public meetings, £23,000 on large posters, and the balance on handbills, smaller posters, and advertising in The Londoner, the free newspaper produced by the GLC to answer criticism from the established London press.
Further details of the proposed bans on 38-tonners may be known by mid-February, when council officers are expected to have prepared draft orders for bans, and to have details of the extent and cost of signposting needed to make a ban, even restricted to GLCcontrolled roads, as effective as possible.