Two-party pressure for freight switch to rail

22nd September 1972, Page 91

22nd September 1972

Page 91

Page 91, 22nd September 1972 — Two-party pressure for freight switch to rail

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from our Parliamentary correspondent • Demands for powers to direct more freight from road to rail transport will be heard at both the Conservative and Labour Party conferences in Blackpool next month.

At the Labour conference — October 2 to 6 — the NUR will spearhead the attack with a call for greater investment to expand the role of the railways.

The union will be backed up by constituency Labour parties who have put forward a variety of resolutions for debate, including a demand for "a fully integrated and publicly owned system of transport subject to democratic control by workers and consumers".

Penal tax on hgv The next Labour Government should ensure, either by persuasion or legislation, that more heavy loads are carried by rail to eliminate congestion on the roads, says a resolution sponsored by Colne Valley CLP. A penal tax on heavy lorries to discourage road freight is proposed by Beeston CLP.

London borough Labour parties want the next Labour government committed• to a policy of "free passenger transport" in London, its ultimate extension to the regions, and the progressive reduction of private transport in cities.

Although no specific transport debate has been arranged for the Conservative conference — October 11-14 — the subject is third after Rhodesia and immigration, in the order of preference for debate on a balloted motion.

The 24 resolutions submitted on transport policy include a call for a review of all forms of transport and steps to encourage the 'transfer of heavy container traffic from road to rail.

Another motion calls for action to ban heavy lorries from city centres and from rural villages.

All port and harbour authorities should have a legal obligation to install equipment to check gross weight and length of all incoming vehicles, says a resolution submitted by Hackney South Conservative Association.

Ashton-under-Lyne Association has "urged the Government to disband all the PTAs and return them to the control of district authorities.