Toll rise warns FRA
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II Freight Transport Association president Stuart Phillips has warned members that the Government is turning the tolls screw tighter by promoting the concept of private financing of essential sections of the national road network.
Speaking at the ETA's Scottish dinner in Glasgow on Wednesday, Phillips said: "We could be moving towards a situation where bridges, tunnels and maybe one day roads, will only be built if resulting tolls revenue will provide a fat profit to some entrepreneur.
"We all fully realise the need for better roads," Phillips continued, "and the industry is prepared to pay for this vital infrastructure, but not twice through taxes with a toll on top."
• MIA National Chairman Glyn Samuel wants the Joint Industrial Councils to consider the impact of complete wage claim packages — not just rises in basic rates — during the current wage rounds.
Speaking at the association's Devon and Cornwall annual dinner he warned members "not to forget that if a reduction in the working week from 40 to 35 hours were to be negotiated, you are going to have to pay overtime rates on five more hours than before."
• A ten-year, £70 million upgrading scheme to make the Al in Yorkshire safer has been launched by Minister of Transport David Mitchell. He has also ordered an urgent review to see if motorway-style crash barriers — planned for the 1990s — can be fitted as a priority.
The Al has an appalling safety record. Since September, 25 people have been killed over a 25-mile stretch of road.
The first stage of the improvements will include a new by-pass at Wetherby, due for completion in 1988.