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If only we could vote for the Road Transport Industry Party
Page 68
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In the run-up to the election what about the road transport that keeps UK
plc in business? Sandy Bruce imagines a party we could all vote for...
ir here follows a Party Political broadcast on behalf of the Road Transport Industry Party with a synopsis of the manifesto: • We promise to supply the most cost-effective, efficient road transport and distribution network in the world • No matter how stupid and restricting they are,we promise to comply with all new rules and regulations thrown at us, even though little or no consultation has taken place • We promise to comply with the above, despite having the most expensive fuel in the world; despite having a large deficit in the number of drivers; despite having profit margins which, on average, are barely into the black: despite the continuous erosion of our customer base in British manufacturing; and despite being faced every day with increased bureaucracy, red tape, environmental issues and restrictive working practices.
In return for your vote the Road Transport Industry Party will endeavour to: • Make a profit • Compete with our foreign operators on a level playing field • Develop our business to create UK jobs.
If elected the Road Transport Industry Party would work towards the provision of all the important things noted above, as all the other parties appear to take no interest in them.
I hope this helps you make up your mind for 5 May...
While the above may be a little tongue in cheek. Jam genuinely concerned that we are not receiving the right level of support from our trade associations in the run-up to the election.
Just this week I have received an invitation to attend a meeting of transport operators in the Dundee area organised by local companies in a last-ditch effort to make their concerns known to politicians of all political parties before the imminent election.
Who speaks for us?
I think it is a very sad day when such groups of well meaning and hard working operators feel the industry representatives, whose wages they pay, are not speaking for them and they have to go it alone.
It will be difficult for them to make a significant difference, hut! applaud their determination to at least try.I wish them every success •