OPINION
Page 32
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• While Transport Express is a factual resume, compiled by John Durant, of transport news at home and abroad, opinion is opinion. The following items drew his attention M"Flowery prose is a bore but colourful and descriptive writing harms no one. Rather the reverse, in fact. RHA director-general Freddie Plaskett, writing in the April Roadway, which previews the annual conference, to be held during the first week of November in Sorrento. "As for Capri the island of romance no words can describe the enchantment and atmosphere that a visit will bring," writes Ben McGuire.
• The Chernobyl disaster was item No. 7 on Moscow's evening TV broadcast, says the Daily Mail, April 30. Earlier reports included spring sowing and the launch of a new lorry.
The dangers of slow driving
IN Slow drivers kill just as many people as :notorists who speed, according to the latest study carried out for the US Government. In the controversial report, author Dr Charles Lave attacks drivers who refuse to keep up with the traffic flow. 'If other drivers are going faster than you are you should speed up, even if its over the speed limit, or get off the road,' he insists. If you are driving slowly in that situation you are more likely to get hit, more likely to get killed or more likely to kill someone else," says Dr Lave, The American Government imposed a nationwide 88krn/h (55mph) speed limit in 1973 as an energy-saving measure.
Report in The London Standard, April 23.
Why is it that whenever a motorist observes the speed limit on motorways, a lorry inevitably latches on to the terrified motorist's tail and follows himlights flashing with just a few feet separating the two vehicles?
James Davies Birmingham Letter in the Daily Express, April 23.
MI For a prime example of naked self interest masquerading as national interest it is hard to beat the gentlemen of the Freight Transport Association, says the Glasgow Herald, April 29, arguing that what remains of our transport infrastructure would be irretrievably damaged by increasing maximum lorry weights to 40 tonnes or more.
II It will be a long, hard fight. Motor Transport, May 1.
▪ The UK Government wants 40-tonne lorries, Transport Secretary Nicholas Ridley has told MEPs. Commercial Motor, May 3.