Armitage distorted
Page 2
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE LABOUR PARTY this week discussed its transport policy document at Blackpool with the anticipated generation of much heat. It is the turn of the Tories at Brighton next week. We can expect a similarly heated discussion.
David Howell seems set to try by gentle persuasion to convert his voluble backbenchers from the environmental lobby to support the Armitage package. He will not find it easy; this is a very emotive subject.
However, it need not be. Every MP has been supplied with the facts of what 38-tonne weight limit will mean. We gave them the details earlier this year.
What we could not state then was how many operators would take advantage of heavier weights. Inquiries around the industry show that only a small percentage of operations would uprate their fleets.
Express and parcels carriers, furniture removers, local general hauliers, almost the entire own-account sector, and tipper operators are not interested. The only groups who may uprate parts of their fleets are those engaged on long-haul or international work.
Mr Howell should make it plain that our roads will not be packed with heavier and larger vehicles if the package is accepted. It will merely give a small percentage of operators a facility which they will use as and when required.