Vote transport
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The Conservatives have spelt out their transport policy if Mrs Thatcher is asked to form the next Government. It is very much a middle of the road policy designed to keep transport out of the political arenafor the next five years.
There is to be no bargain basement selling off of National Freight Corporation companies. The plan to extend the already established commercial practices of the State companies by introducing private sector shareholders should be welcomed as much at Argosy House as elsewhere.
Less ministerial involvement will surely be applauded. The promise that the inquiry and debate into heavier vehicles under the Tories will not be a party matter is an astute but harmless political manoeuvre, it is a very sensitive area.
However, on the results may depend the Tory promise of obtaining more permits for Europe — many believe that abolition of the permits system would make more sense.
The tachograph nettle has been lightly grasped and a five year phasing-in programme is to be sought. It is doubtful whether the EEC will agree to such a long extension. An all-round compromise on all these matters could be three years for tachographs, heavier vehicles throughout Europe and no permits.
No doubt there will be a warm welcome for a proper inquiry into track costs even from those who believe that we have had too many inquiries of late.
The Tory package will not upset the industry and would be neither difficult nor expensive to implement.