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PROPOSALS TO introduce a weight restriction on two roads in
Page 13
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Somerset have been attacked by the Freight Transport Association (ETA) for ignoring the economic impact on operators in the county.
Two meetings involving North Somerset Council, the FTA, the Road Haulage Association and pressure group Transport Management for the Villages (TMTV) have been held since February to discuss the restrictions on LGVs using the A368 and the B3134 near Cheddar.
The trade associations have argued that a weight restriction would be impracticable, not least because it would require 30-mile detours to make deliveries to Burlington Combe.They have also warned of the impact on shops, garages and farms in the area.
Ian Gallagher, FTA policy manager for the South-West, says: By preventing LGVs from using the A368 it will push more vehicles through Cheddar. A natural conclusion will be that smaller operators can't compete with larger operators and will be forced out of business. Or operators will look to increase their costs, certainly with the increasing mileage they are being asked to cover."
Gallagher is also concerned about the likelihood of the council agreeing to an 'experimental order', which would circumvent the need to consult on the issue.
A North Somerset Council spokesman says the scrutiny panel will refer its recommendation to the executive member who will then come to a decision.
TMTV chairman Trevor Smallwood was unable to comment as CM went to press. A TRUCK MECHANIC was wrongfully accused by two truck drivers of causing them to have accidents during an alleged campaign of bullying and harassment. a Birmingham Employment Tribunal was told.
The harasment claim was made by Philip Wood of Tamworth, West Midlands, against William Freeman & Sons of Curdworth. near Birmingham.
Wood claimed bullying and harassment over more than two years forced him to leave the firm, prompting his compensation claim for constructive unfair dismissal.
Woodsaid the drivers had accused him of not maintaining their trucks properly. causing defects which led to minor accidents. But he told the Tribunal that an investigation had found no faults with either vehicle and the accidents had been caused by the drivers neglect.
When Wood called for th4 drivers to be disciplined he sai( management told him he had m right to ask for such action.
He complained that the clain about the vehicles had been one o a number of incidents of bullyiN and harassment including: • An excessive workload causin him to suffer from stress • The deliberate destruction of hi toolbox and tools worth £4,500 b: someone at the firm policebile( to find the culprit • False allegations made to socia services about his family • A physical assault by a colleagu.
The firm denied the allegation and questioned whether Wood' grievances had been proper1 raised. Tribunal chairman Joh' Parkin adjourned the hearing ti allow more evidence to be given.