The Myth of "Empty Running "
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" QINCE when has empty running been
kJ a criterion of efficiency? This is a much-vaunted myth that is only advanced by the ill-informed." So said Mr. K. C. Turner, president of the Traders Road Transport Association, at the annual dinner in London on Monda‘. Capital investment, speed of delivery and service must also be taken into account. Speaking of the vital part the C-licensee played in the country's existence, he remarked: "It puzzles me why he presents such a poor public image." Mr. Turner called upon the Government to give more information. possibly by advertising, about the Common Market. There was little doubt that road transport, in particular, would play a vital role in Britain's ability to compete in Europe. Common Market requirements would be the most important influence in deciding the eventual shape of the United Kingdom transport structure, whether or not we joined. The T.R.T.A. president also sounded a warning about the impact of loading bans and the reduced working week in industry upon the numbers of vehicles needed for delivery. There now existedcases where the delivery period had been reduced to something like 18 hours a
There must
week. be positive thinking
about this problem.
Another speaker, Lord Trenchard. who is chairman of T. Wall and Sons, Ltd.. warned that loading bans in London were quite likeh. to increase the cost of food byrequiring a large increase in the number of vans to get the food to the shops in time for the housewife. He called on the Minister of Transport to ensure that bans do not unduly affect the public interest. Sir James Dunnett, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, had earlier said: -'We do our best to hold the balance between the needs of goods vehicles and keeping traffic moving.