'Consider transport at planning stage
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INSTEAD of the question of transport com
munications always being thrown up after a project had been developed, as something to be dealt with in an emergency, the investment in transport facilities must be a key factor in determining development plans, suggested Mr. Dan Smith, chairman of the Northern Economic Planning Council, last week.
Mr. Smith, who has been asked by the Minister of Transport to consider an integrated transport plan for Tyneside, was addressing 64 members at the TRTA Northern Division's annual lunch, held in Newcastle upon Tyne on Friday.
In his view, the region's transport facilities could not be separated: "We cannot separate road from rail . . . ports from road and rail . air from ports, road and rail", he said.
The prime cost of road investment had to be related to public services, whether bus, train, plane or car, he added. Services must be planned to exploit successfully new industries to be located in the region. Their location had to be assessed in terms of freight needs, not only within the region but within Britain and Europe.
Pressure had to be applied to step up efficiency. He did not feel the many problems involved in improving the region's prosperity could be solved by making friends with everybody.
Mr. Smith said he hoped the TRTA would suggest ways in which they could play a part in solving the problems involved.
TRTA president Mr. K. C. Turner said it was wrong that the cost of siting new population areas should be placed on the motor vehicle industry.
If all new networks of population and industry had to be paid for by the lorry then it would affect the road transport industry, the cost of goods in the shop, and the nation's export ability. Mr. Turner said the trend by some local authorities towards creating pedestrian precincts in advance of making the necessary alternative arrangements for providing access for goods vehicles, was putting the cart before the horse. "We should see that trade and industry are not made to pay the price for the procrastination of the planners", he said.
At the division's a.g.m. which followed, Mr. S. S. Robson stood down as chairman after holding that office for 21 -years and Mr. H. G. Champion, of Harm and Newby Ltd. was appointed to that post.
Grant for economics studentship
APPLICATIONS are invited for a Rees Jeffreys Studentship, tenable at the London School of Economics, to enable a suitable candidate to devote at least one whole year to full-time research into the economics of transport.
The studentship is not confined to university' graduates, but is also open to anyone who has been engaged in the administration of transport, including road transport, or in the production of transport equipment or facilities.
Particulars and application forms can be obtained from the Secretary of the Graduate School, The London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, Aldwych, London WC2. Applications must be received not later than May 31.