Lorry like a goldfish

18th October 1980, Page 7

18th October 1980

Page 7

Page 7, 18th October 1980 — Lorry like a goldfish

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A LORRY is like a goldfish in a bowl. It is always being watched and its deficiencies cannot be hidden, said Freight Transport Association director general Hugh Featherstone in York this week.

Addressing the Association of District Councils, he warned: "It is not enough to say that most lorries are operated and driven responsibly. The public spotlight is on lorry operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Whereas other industries can conceal their deficiencies, the road haulier cannot. Both he and his driver need to be acutely aware of that special responsibility."

Mr Featherstone also was at pains to dispel myths about goods vehicle operation, and said it was nonsense to suggest that small vans could deliver every item of goods into built-up areas.

"You can't tranships or deliver petrol, steel, bricks, cars or ready-mixed concrete in light vans. And here is the nub of the problem — all these products are needed in town centres.

"It's fine to say that heavy lorries should be kept out of towns. The trouble is that people want houses built, they want petrol at the local garage, and they want cars in the local showroom."