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Planned Transport
Page 43
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H IS week over 350 delegates, representing a liberal cross-section of British manufacturers (and therefore transport users) met in London to discuss ways and means of reducing obstacles in the transport of goods between this country and western Europe, as reported on page 64 of this issue.
First and foremost they called for a decision to be given, as soon as possible, on whether or not a Channel Tunnel will be coming into operation within the foreseeable future. They said that new Construction and Use Regulations must be brought into effect and •that discussion must begin inimediately with the European Economic Community regarding bilateral quotas for international road haulage. All three of these are matters that Mr. Marples must act upon now. Fortunately, the Ministry of Transport has established excellent connections 'With the E.E.C. Commission.
Coming nearer home and flatters on which the users and providers can help in this export drive, are co-operation with port authorities and shippers in getting goods to the docks in good time. The gettingtogether of hauliers with a view to establishing inland customs clearance depots, similar to the recently inaugurated railway customs clearance centre at Manchester, is most important.
As Sir Norman Kipping suggested at the end of the conference, there should be a research organization to study marketing and costing.
These are bold and vital suggestions. The conference was an excellent idea. But where do we go from here? Now is the time for the Ministry to really press the British viewpoint in Brussels, thus cementing their good lobby work. Now is also the time for road operators to show users a lead in this question of planned transport.