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GAMBLING ON 40-TONNERS
White Papers, White Papers, more White Papers. With the Scottish White Paper on transport and the European White Paper both appearing within the past week, transport White Papers seem to be popping up everywhere. But there are still no answers to the question hauliers across Britain are asking: just what will the Government do about VED rates on 40 and 41-tonne vehicles? There are plenty of predictions circulating but, as yet, no firm information and no hint of just when some might emerge, with the DOT suggesting it is predominantly a Treasury matter (while admitting it will have "some input"). Yet both new weights will be permissible from the end of this year. All that is clear for now is that until the VED rate for a 40-tonne five-axle artic is known, the benefits of 41-tonne vehicles on six axles will remain a mystery, and anyone considering investment in new vehicles faces an impossible gamble in which the only sensible option is to hold the bet. Perhaps John Reid, Gavin Strang's replacement as Minister for Transport, might make some difference. As a former Armed Forces Minister he should at least appreciate the importance of Britain's supply chains, given that wars have been won and lost in the past as a result of supply line efficiency. Let's hope he brings some of this military experience to bear and issues a few sharp orders to get the VED sit uation resolved, before forced lack of investment further cripples what remains of Britain's /6(eca_g., ail ) ing haulage community. 6.k. ing haulage community. 6.k. Over to you, Mr Reid,..