FTA threatens new ban action
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• Changes to the London Lorry Ban, which are due to be introduced this autumn, may be challenged in the courts by the Freight Transport Association.
The changes (CM 23-29 July) which particularly anger the FTA concern the retrofitting of hush kits. Under the new regulations, the London Boroughs Transport Committee says, "it would be reasonable to expect applicants to modify existing vehicles."
Dave Green of the FTA says that existing vehicles will not have to be fitted with hush kits under a forthcoming EEC directive, but the LBTC seems to be using the EEC directive to require operators to alter their existing vehicles. The FTA is challenging the LBTC's legal right to require the fitting of hush kits in this way, and Green says this may involve legal action.
Other changes in the lorry ban also concern the FTA, and regional director John Gutteridge has written to LBTC secretary Michael Honey seeking clarification on a number of points, including the effects of the revised ban on trailer operators and truck rental companies.
If the proposed pedestrianisation of North End, Croydon in Surrey goes ahead, several operators will have to buy 7.5-tonne trucks simply to carry out their business in the restricted area, the Freight Transport Association warns. The FTA says, "Because of the unique nature of the proposals and the extremely serious implications for certain member companies, the whole matter should be referred to a public enquiry." It has also questioned the legality of some of the proposals.