Lay-by is where CMtakes a break from the serious issues
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and our correspondent The Hawk takes a sideways look at road haulage. If you have suitable tales, charitable works, or quirky vehicles, drop The Hawk a line at Commercial Motor, Lay-by, Km H203, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2 SAS, or fax him on 0181 652 8969.
SABOTACE DOWN MEMORY LANE
These days, Peter Hain, MP for Neath and Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, is a fine upstanding member of the establishment.
It wasn't ever thus, as a vigilant CMreader has brought to our attention an article that appeared in this magazine of 31 August 1973. If you thought John Prescott and Gordon Brown had it in for truckers, it is nothing compared to the action HaM, then a member of the Young Liberals, was planning.
Worried about safety and pollution on British roads, the Young Liberals had mounted a campaign to immobilise visiting Continental HGVs in the mistaken belief that they were bigger—and therefore more polluting—than British trucks. To this end they had recruited the services of a retired vehicle examiner.
At the time Peter Hain read out this statement from the Young Liberals: "We will not be diverted from taking non-violent direct action against heavy lorries by the smear campaign and criticisms from such quarters as the Road Haulage Association. We do not reject illegal means of direct action where other methods have failed and are prepared to act outside the law with community support in certain situations." According to Mr Hain, the Yls would go into action to immobilise lorries while drivers were at rest in lay-bys, or transport cafes, or when a vehicle was Stationary at traffic fights. Direct action eh? Not a phrase I think sits easily on the lips of New Labour.