LBTC chief defends beneficial lony ban
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• The man ultimately responsible for the London lorry ban has hit back at criticisms that it is farcical, claiming that it will benefit hauliers.
Peter Broadbent, chair of the London Boroughs Transport Committee, says: "The lorry control scheme will be working efficiently, effectively and fairly by next year." He also confirms our prediction (CM 23-29 July) that "permits will be issued under tighter conditions which require operators, among other things to quieten their vehicles".
PTA spokesman John Guttridge rejects the suggestion that the London lorry ban benefits hauliers in any way. He admits that trade associations were consulted when the LBTC came to consider revising the ban, but insists that the LBTC failed to respond to important reservations about the revisions, which include plans to force operators to fit hush kits, to include trailers in the ban, and to require rental companies to monitor the use of their vehicles in the capital.
Guttridge is also concerned about the LBTC's latest plans for a new London lorry ban
permit application form, due to be introduced at the start of next month. The form includes a section requiring details of a haulier's destination and routes within the capital. Guttridge describes this as "bureaucratic F nonsense".
Transport minister Peter Bottomley was asked if the Government has plans to extend the London lorry ban in a written question from Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn. He replied that councils, not ministers, were responsible for its future, value costs and benefits.
El Spalding Haulage, one of the companies being prosecuted in the London lorry ban test case this month, will be defended by Road Haulage Association lawyers. Spalding will appear with J Oldham (Stonemasons) at Hampstead magistrates court on 10 December.