Drawbar units can cut costs
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IT IS TO be greatly regretted tha Government has chosen to discriminate against drawbar trailer combinations in the recent proposals for higher gross vehicle weights. This decision appears to betray an ignorance of modern distribution needs which must be deplored.
As our recent research report shows, drawbar units can dramatically cut costs, especial' when they are used with demountable bodies. They offei a simple break bulk facility which can, for example, replace expensive satellite warehouses. A number of UK companies have pioneered the use of drawbar units in this way. Thes( companies are already irked by the low speed restrictions whicr continue to be applied to their units. A further penalty on maximum weights can only discourage other operators fron becoming more innovative and efficient.
This government says it is committed to the improvement of industrial efficiency. It must learn that efficiency can only be promoted if it takes the trouble to understand the industry first. J. C. COOPER
Senior Research Fellow (Freighl Transport Studies Group Polytechnic of Central London