Ripon's traders are not reluctant to co-operate says PTA
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IN I refer to the article entitled "Retailers keeping the doors closed" which appeared in Commercial Motor (8-14 Aug). As the author of the report in question I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight as the article implies a reluctance on the part of Ripon's trading community to accommodate the needs of transport operators.
Taken in isolation the statistics, which indicate that 69% of retailers are reluctant to accept loading bays and 82% will not accept out-of-hours deliveries, seem to imply that the retail trade is unwilling to accommodate the efforts of transport operators in combating congestion and providing a more efficient service to their customers.
However, Ripon's narrow streets have created particular problems for delivery vehicles which cannot easily be overcome and which mean that access to the rear of many shops in Ripon city is simply not available. The reluctance of traders to accept the introduction of loading bays reflects their desire for continued access for goods vehicles to their premises, and not to loading bays located some distance away.
These are clearly not the thoughts of a retail trade which is not prepared to take the needs of the transport industry into account. The main reason for opposing out-of-hours deliveries is because almost 86% of Ripon's shops employ fewer than five full-time staff and are not able to absorb the additional cost of increased wages and additional staff. It is not a rejection of the principle of out-of-hours deliveries.
Far from being a confirmation of the retail trade's unwillingness to make the life of the transport operator an easier one, the report highlights a message of positive co-operation between partners.
J Magner FTA assistant regional secretary, Leeds.