A quiet word on driving technique
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HAULIERS were urged to take an initiative on quiet driving
through London by Dave Wet zel, Greater London Council transport committee chairman.
They should tell their drivers to "keep off the high revs" when they see a lot of houses close by.
"Some operators have said they will include this in their driver training; others have said they will put up notices in their yard," he said. The operators have said that it will save them money as well as reducing the amount of noise the lorries make.
Mr Wetzel was in Malta to explain his plan for a ban on lor ries over 16.5 tonnes at night-time and weekends. The ban should be viewed as a local government initiative to improve life in a major city just as sewerage, waste disposal, clean water, free schools, free hospitals and parks have been introduced by local councils "People want continuing improvement."
In 100 to 150 years' time people will look back at the GLC ban as being in the forefront of environmental improvement of our cities, he said.
Exemptions to the ban would be allowed by use of a permit system which would be flexible. The GLC does not want a rigid ban.
The GLC would also be flexible over the need to fit "hush kits", comprising a cover over the engine. He rejected claims that they would be too expensive, a fire hazard, and would raise maintenance costs. And they would not necessarily have to be fitted to lorries nearing the end of their working life.
Operators with a large fleet would be able to phase in the equipment over three or four years. Ten GLC officers would administer the issue of permits, and 600 companies would be expected to apply, he said.
Mr Wetzel expressed disappointment that apparently nothing had been done to gain the advantages of the Quiet Heavy Vehicle shown to the press five years ago. And he is disappointed that truck makers promote the macho image of their products in advertisements rather than how quiet they are. "I want to see you people demanding from your manufacturers quieter vehicles."
Enforcement of the lorry ban would be made much easier for police and trading standard officers by the issue of permit plates, o that they would not have to follow lorries across London. And he added: "It is my experience that operators will act reasonably."
The GLC transport committee meets on November 21 to decide, first, whether or not it has the legal power to go ahead with a ban and then whether to go ahead with a public inquiry.
Guildford haulier Peter May challenged Mr Wetzel's motives for introducing a ban. He got loud applause when he told Mr Wetzel: "When I write to you I object to receiving replies signed "Yours for Socialism, Dave Wetzel. As a result of that comment, I think this is totally political."
"I sign every letter 'Yours for Socialism'," said Mr Wetzel.
Transport consultant Ralph Cropper waded into Mr Wetzel
with accusations that he had given the industry too little notice, and complained again about his letters signed "Yours for Socialism".
"That's my style," said Mr Wetzel. "I know a lot of people
who sign their letters 'Yours sincerely' and they are the most insincere people I've ever met." The GLC has proceeded with the ban "not too fast, not too slow. If any operator wasn't aware that the Wood Inquiry wasn't sitting they must be os. triches with their heads in the sand."