EDITORIAL
Page 4
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE DEPARTMENT of Transport apparently is not prepared to take any action to alleviate the immense problems which will confront longdistance goods and passenger vehicle operators next month.
The chaos and frustration which will arise when the motorway repair work begins will be horrendous. Not only will running schedules be destroyed but drivers will run out of time.
Undoubtedly, many drivers will break the hours regulations in order to make deliveries. They could be convicted. Frustration also leads to carelessness which may well result in accidents.
Sitting in traffic jams with the engine idling is a costly business in terms of fuel consumption and engine wear. This is a cost which the operator cannot pass on.
But more damaging in the long term will be the traffic which will be lost to British Rail — already avowed to increasing its share of freight. We should not be surprised to see BR mounting a strong advertising campaign to capitalise on Britain's greatest road block ever.
It is all too easy to adopt the ostrich principle at Marsham Street. It cannot be beyond the wit of the civil service to provide an alternative to the chaos it is about to create.
We have already suggested that the contra-flow systems should be designated for lorries, buses and coaches only during the repair season. Cars and caravans would lose little in time by reverting to A and B roads. Certainly, their drivers would not be convicted of hours offences.
What will happen if lorry drivers, having completed their statutory period at the wheel, abandon their charges and go off for food and rest? It may sound daft, but so also are the circumstances which might cause them to.