TRTA FIGHTS BIRMINGHAM LOADING BAN PROPOSALS
Page 20
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
STRONG objections are being made by the Traders Road Transport Association to the loading restrictions proposed by Birmingham City Council. The restrictions are planned to operate from 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. on the city's main radial traffic routes. They also affect some lengths of routes linking or joining the radial routes.
If the proposals are implemented they are practically certain to hit the housewife. For example, for a large bakery concern they will affect over 100 rounds while for milk deliveries over 150 rounds will need adjustment. The result will be later bread and milk deliveries coupled with an increase in staff and vehicles, all of which will considerably increase the cost of deliveries. There will also be greatly increased hygiene and theft dangers with goods being manhandled for considerable distances.
The proposed bans are the most severe anywhere in the country, says the Association. It feels that this is an attempt to push a damaging scheme through without proper consultation.
No attempt has been made to provide facilities to mitigate at least some of the effects of the restrictions, says the TRTA. For example, in other areas it is now accepted practice to keep the ends of side roads clear of parked cars so that displaced goods vehicles may use them to load and unload.
The Association, whose traffic officer has carried out a three-day survey of the scheme, is pursuing its objections in conjunction with the Birmingham standing committee on traffic regulations. A public inquiry into the proposals is to be held on April 10.
An open emergency meeting, attended by 75 members, was held by the Association in Birmingham on Monday afternoon to discuss the matter.