Roads review: too much talk
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by Ian Wylie • Hauliers and distribution groups have expressed frustration at the latest Government transport review, claiming that there is too much "jaw-jaw" and not enough action.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has invited the road transport industry, along with other interested parties, to respond to his consultation document on creating an integrated transport policy. The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions hopes to canvass opinion before drawing up a White Paper for publication next spring.
However, the document has been widely criticised for lacking fresh ideas.
Prescott's proposal for an orbital rail route to relieve London congestion and take freight off the road has been greeted more warmly. He says he wants freight from ports to travel by rail rather than on the M25. Goods would head into London on existing rail links, go round the orbital link, then head towards their destinations without ever leaving the tracks.
But the orbital link was not highlighted in the consultation document, which gave few clues to the Government's intentions.
"The Government is asking us the same questions that Brian Mawhinney asked us two years ago, so we're no further forward," says NFC spokesman Andrew Parkhouse. "It's time for the Government to set a long-term strategy so the industry can plan its resources and investment."
The Freight Transport Association says: "We are disappointed the review does not discuss the importance of freight transport, the difficulties it faces and how it could be improved," says a spokesman. "But we are pleased the Government seems to be acknowledging that cars, not lorries are the real problem."
Transport 2000 says it will be recommending a weight/distance tax to penalise heavier lorries.