FTA/RHA react
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BRITISH TRANSPORT industry spokesmen have given a broad welcome to last week's EEC decisions, but there are early signs of dissent over a weights increase.
Both the Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association said they were encouraged by the progress made and welcomed the increased Community quota allocation.
RHA executive officer Bob Duffy said hauliers supported the increased quota as this was a much more productive way of operating in Europe.
But there is a hint of dissent over the weights harmonisation plan. While the FTA said it was relieved to see that the EEC was at last doing something about weights harmonisation, and was remaining non-commital about an increase for Britain, the RHA was less happy.
Mr Duffy said the RHA was "not really incredibly sanguine" about 40 tonners in view of the additional vehicle excise duty, sideguards, spray suppression and depot controls that had been the price of accepting 38tonners.
But he did promise that the RHA would consult its members about the idea.
Both Mr Duffy and the FTA's spokesman said they were encouraged by the agreement in principle to liberalise hours and tachograph rules.
Mr Duffy said: "They are going in the right direction, even if they are not saying what the changes will be." The FTA spokesman said: "The change seems to be in line with the British industry's complaints. about the lack of flexibility."
Both associations were particularly cheered by the progress made at last by the EEC transport council and by Transport Secretary Nicholas Ridley's part in this.
Mr Duffy summed it up by saying: "It seems the most important thing is an awareness of the feelings of the industry and from the French demonstrations earlier this year. All Ministers appear conscious of the need to do something."