GLC is unimpressed
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
FORMAL notice of a London ban on lorries over 16.5 tonnes has been approved by the Greater London Council transport committee.
The GLC is clearly unimpressed by pleas that the ban proposals are damaging the capital, and has announced that the restrictions should be in operation by next spring on its present timetable. The committee decided against a public inquiry, but added that this decision might be reviewed in the light of responses to the formal notices of the planned ban.
The hours of the ban will be from 9pm until 7am on weekdays. Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. Around 250,000 people will sleep better, according to committee chairman Dave Wetzel.
The transport industry's response has been to seek a meeting with Transport Secretary Nicholas Ridley. The initiative has been taken by the Freight Transport Association, supported by the Road Haulage Association, the Conferederation of British Industry and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Mr Ridley has indicated that, perhaps with half an eye on the criticisms of the Government's plans to abolish the GLC, he would prefer to let Mr Wetzel go ahead with a public inquiry.