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19th September 2002
Page 43
Page 43, 19th September 2002 — LONDON
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

With a gross domestic product of £180bn. London's economy is bigger than that of many European states. including Ireland, Austria and Belgium. The capital generates about 20% of Britain's wealth and has a population of over 7,000,000.

The sheer number of people in the city makes life difficult for the haulier. Compared with more modern industrial cities, London's motorway and dual carriageway system is woefully inadequate and gridlock is a fact of life. In central London, the average morning rush hour speed is Just 2.9mph. but even those hatillers who chose to run their trucks outside the city cannot escape the congestion. The M25—branded "Europe's biggest roundabout" by some—

frequently grinds to a halt.

There is no doubt that thousands of cars make unnecessary journeys in the city every day but no one runs an HOY for fun. Nonetheless London operators are penalised left, right and centre.

The London Lorry Ban requires HGVs to run on specified routes, often leading to long detours on the pain of a £500 fine. From next year hauliers will have to pay a £5-a-day tariff for the privilege of delivering essential goods in central London. Inner city deliveries are already a nightmare with drivers coming into the city having to battle through the suburbs to reach their destinations, Once there they have to contend with masses of pedestrians and cars, often in winding, narrow streets. London traffic wardens are notorious, too. One haulier we spoke to warns that stopping to ask for directions can result in a parking ticket. What a place to earn a living...

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Locations: LONDON

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