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dashed by CM'S big poll
• Some 60% of the public think that truck drivers show just as much, if not more, consideration on the road as car drivers, and nearly 65% realise that most of the nation's goods are moved by road.
In a major national opinion poll commissioned by Commercial Motor this week (see page 30 for full details), we asked 1,000 members of the public what they really think about the haulage industry, and their replies came as a surprise.
Around 80% of the population would like to see more freight moved by "alternative" methods of transport, but only 60% are prepared to pay more to make the switch. Fewer than 40% want to see commercial vehicles banned at weekends as they are in France and West Germany, and only just over half of the general public feel intimidated by heavy lorries.
However, only 25% of the population are happy with the idea of heavier lorries.
Both the Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association say the survey is encouraging. The FTA says: "The Government and many environmental pressure groups have over-estimated public animosity towards the truck. The public seem better informed on the industry than we frequently assume."
The RHA view is: "The message is getting through, but we still cannot expect people to love the lorry. They do definitely seem to accept it and its importance, however."
"We have all been making shrewd guesses at what the public really thinks about us," says the FTA, "but this is the first time we have found out what they think in such detail." Ll Anyone who would like a free copy of our national opinion poll results, should contact Jackie Richer on 01-661 3681.