Editorial
Page 4
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i Campaigning s starting to pay
DURING the past five years there have been four matters on which CM has campaigned. The campaigns have been conducted vigorously and openly with a great deal of lobbying. It looks like we, and those who have conducted their own lobbying, are baginning to see results.
The plans to increase permit quotas to British operators over the next four years until supply exceeds demand is merely a protracted way of abolishing the system. It is, however, a first step. Why must bureaucracy move at snail's pace?
Successive Ministers of Transport have discussed our suggestions to transfer vehicle excise duty to fuel duty and therefore ensure that everybody pays his fair share. This system now has support at Westminster, but watch out for the bureaucrats who are still crying, "No, Minister".
For 15 years we have experienced and highlighted the cost and frustration of customs delays. At last a simple and speedy method of clearance has been devised for Europe. Alas, it will not be a statutory requirement to use the system and again we can expect some bureaucratic barriers.
But the barriers will come down. What is now required is a concentrated effort on all fronts — and that appears to be more likely now than it was 12 months ago.
CM's catalyst role in mounting a public relations campaign for the industry is over. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and trade associations, although always active, now appear to be acting together on general matters and more openly on specific individual issues.
All of this is a clear indicator that road transport is now receiving more recognition than ever before and is proof that campaigning and lobbying pays.
We will continue our efforts.