GLC v Ridley
Page 7
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THE GREATER London Council has sent a defiant letter to Transport Secretary Nicholas Ridley asking him to reconsider his blocking of the lorry ban — or face a court battle.
The carefully worded letter from GLC lawyers which says that Mr Ridley's blocking is "invalid", is likely to lead to High Court action in March or April.
There the GLC will argue that Mr Ridley has exceeded his powers in moving to stop the ban.
Mr Ridley wiN argue that the action was necessary to ensure that the GLC carried out its duty of preserving the free movement of goods traffic.
But even if the GLC is successful this will probably lead to a delay until around August for the ban's implementation.
Meanwhile the GLC officers are continuing with their attempts to design an exemption permit application form if the ban comes in.
Ten companies were asked to help — one refused — with the aim of making sure the GLC can get the information it wants, and the questions make sense to operators.
The forms are expected to be sorted out by the end of this month, printed in March and available in April.
At the same time the GLC is negotiating with around 150 operators on the conditions they would have to comply with for an exemption permit if the ban goes ahead.