Mr. Mitchell on Channel Link and Disqualification Clause
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I DO not propose to be drawn into a discussion on the pros and cons of a bridge or tunnel. All I wish to say is that, whatever construction is finally decided upon, it would be intolerable if it did not make proper provision for road vehicles as for other forms of transport. I mean by this that road vehicles must be allowed to use the link under their own power. The idea so actively put about that lorries should be sent through a Channel tunnel on railway platform trucks seems to me antediluvian."
These views were put forward by Mr. J. B. Mitchell, national chairman of the Road Haulage Association, at the Association's eastern area dinner at Gt. Yarmouth last Friday. when speaking of the "closer European association that seems more likely to be developed."
He also spoke again on the controversial Clause 3 of t14 Road Traffic Bill, commenting that as a measure to improve road safety the Bill "has our wholehearted support," but that some of the provisions might not have the effect the Minister supposed. The fact that automatic disqualification would fellow conviction for any three out of a highly assorted list of offences, magistrates having no option in the matter, "seems to me to savour more of the fruit machine than legislation. Luck must play far
too large a part. . . ." Drivers of commercial vehicles, covering a greater mileage and driving longer hours than the average motorist, were particularly vulnerable. Mr. Mitchell commented: "I could go on much longer on this subject but I feel it is perhaps more a job for the unions to make some move for the protection of their members."