Imposition on hgv users
Page 20
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WHEN considering the road fund taxation paid by the haulage industry, it is evident that more is levied than can always be justified. Yet, despite the reasoning, put forward by both sides in the past, there is a "hidden" charge, which is overlooked.
Although we are slowly learning the folly of so-called swift measures to obtain more adequate new roadways, through construction systems not fully tested to our geographic strata and variable climate; must we suffer prevarication in this matter?
Something needs to be done to speed planning of new roads.
Public inquiries are freqently so protracted that it now takes up to 15 years between a new road being mooted and its coming into use. Recent estimates put the cost of building the M25 around London at £900m. That's up from £630m as the price quoted only 18 months ago.
The cost of building the new high-level bridge which will be the most easterly on the Thames, has escalated from E138m to CI 50m and this is likely to go much higher before construction starts in 1988 or later. While this bridge will be the longest and highest on the Thames, requiring long approach viaducts and roads to link in with existing routes, with consequent inquiries etc, etc, the delay, even in these more moderate inflationary periods, will raise costs as time elapses.
It would be invidious to tabulate other examples of procrastination in this vital national matter of a satisfactory road system, but this much must be said: "Time is money".
The lengthy delays and consequent increased costs in building, and in repairing our roads and bridges, is resulting in the imposition of additional charges for the road users, particularly heavy vehicle operators.
It is too late to do anything about the past, but pressure must be brought to bear on current and future projects, so that they are carried out with the minimum costs consistent with first-class workmanship. NIGEL BREEZE Southend-on-Sea Essex