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Seize the day

15th November 1980
Page 4
Page 4, 15th November 1980 — Seize the day
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

THE ARMITAGE REPORT will soon be on the Minister of Transport's desk. The contents, as yet still confidential, are of paramount importance to manufacturers, operators and distribution management.

If, as is widely expected, the report recommends 40 tonnes gvw, we can expect much howling and wailing from a multiplicity of bodies. The industry must be ready to counter-attack. No longer should it always be on the defensive. Our road tests at 40 tonnes (CM, October 25) prove beyond doubt that it is in the public interest to have a 40-tonne gross vehicle weight. In economic or in energy terms, the case is watertight.

In operational terms, the 40-tonne vehicle wouldn't replace the 32-ton population overnight. Indeed a large sector of the industry can't take advantage of a higher weight limit without more cubic capacity — and that isn't likely to be one of Armitage's recommendations.

So the industry must be ready to face its accusers with sensible and reasoned statements. The sabre-rattling won't last for long and we don't anticipate that members of Transport 2000 will martyr themselves on the rnotorways.

This will be a chance for the industry to parade before the public as a respectable sector of the business community. It should be mobilising this week if that opportunity is to be seized.

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