Hauliers seek EEC support
Page 17
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE COMMON MARKET must do more for Britain's road haulage industry.
This is the view of John Silbermann, a national vicechairman of the Road Haulage Association.
Mr Silbermann, speaking at the RHA's North Western (Western) Area annual dinner in Liverpool last week, said that although the UK had just entered its fifth year of EEC membership, the question of lorry weight harmonisation remains unresolved.
A new maximum weight limit of 40 tonnes on five-axled vehicles, with a 10 tonne limit on each axle now looked like being agreed, however.
"We believe that this formula will offer for Britain and Europe the most effective balance between environmental protection and economic efficiency, and the minimising of essential traffic growth," he went on.
"The advantages in reducing the inefficiencies inherent in the present British limits are of vital importance to hauliers and their customers in con taming prices."
On the question of access to the markets of member states, Mr Silberrnann said that more action was needed on the issue of permits to achieve truly competitive free movement of goods across national frontiers.
"This remains an imperative need which is not being encouraged by some member states. Without a greater freedom of transit and an increase in quotas, the British international road haulier has no chance to expand a service which presently enjoys an enviable reputation for its cost and efficiency."