Spread the word — fight lethargy
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CONGRATULATIONS are due to Frank Tinsdale for his most excellent article — "Say it loud — we're heavy and proud!", and what a good title too, if I may say so (see CM July 3, 1982).
Without wishing in any way to minimise the forcefulness of the numerous points made in our favour, it is, perhaps, a trifle unfortunate that they will mainly be seen by the converted, although Mr Tinsdale does make the point that there is much hauliers can do for themselves, through speakers offering their services to all the many organisations to put the case for the heavy lorry — Women's Institutes, Rotary and many other bodies.
Excellent, but what about chaps in the local, at the golf, bowls, tennis, football and other sporting clubs. The list of organisations, and opportunities, for putting-over the message is enormous, but all too often lethargy creeps in, and we leave it to "the other fellow", or "the association".
With our future at stake, we should not lose a single opportunity of ensuring that the public has the right image of what we are doing for them, and what we can continue doing for them, provided due consideration is given to the needs of road transport in its goal to serve the nation.
Mr Tinsdale makes the point that outrage does not seem to be voiced in other countries where even heavier vehicles are permitted, and in this connection refers particularly to Holland and Germany. Having spent much time in Holland — a smaller country than ours, yet with a marvellous road system for heavy vehicles — I am convinced that a great deal of the opposition we meet in England is due to our insularity. While the Continental countries have relied on good road connecting services for the interchange of trade, we still have the concept of "this little island" being served mainly by sea, and at all costs the environmental lobby must prevail.
Somehow, we have to breakdown this outdated prejudicial approach, and with the help of advocates like Frank Tinsdale, our industry can look forward with more confidence than it enjoys at present.
Yours faithfully, NIGEL BREEZE Southend-on-Sea