Has Minister Given-in toUnions ?
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MANY members who attended the annual dinner of the Traders' Road Transport Association in London last week gained the impression that the Minister of Transport had capitulated to the trade unions with regard to the proposed abolition of the 20-m.p.h. speed limit for heavy goods vehicles.
Mr. S. C. Bond, national chairman, had ventilated the matter. He said that after long and frustrating negotiations, those who wished to raise the limit had come up against a blank wall.
The Minister replied that the speed limit-was not an issue upon which a decision could be arrived At in isolation. There were tic-ups with the trade unions to be considered, but the question was not closed and he hoped understanding and agreement would prevail.
Mr. Bond said that the 1953 Act had not affected ancillary users, apart from the "obnoxious levy." There was now "in the kitty," he said, and it was not bad business to underwrite a loss which might not happen.
He was not satisfied with the amount of money spent on the roads. It was time for a comprehensive policy instead of dealing with roads piecemeal. Prohibition of waiting in streets was a serious matter for traders. Unilateral parking had proved abortive and the cost of delays involved in parking delivery vehicles must run into millions of pounds a year.
The Minister said he was conscious of road congestion, but pointed out that argument rested on new construction and not on the vast sums already spent on maintenance. He made a plea for diligence in safety matters.
The dinner marked the close of the last day of the presidency of Col_ Arthur Jerrett, and the Minister paid him a tribute.
Col, Jerrett gave a final warning against complacency. He had no faith in any Government in matters concerning transport_ There was still need for vigilance; C-licensees were not yet out of the wood, and never would be.
Other speakers were Mr. D. J. F. Jackson, chairman of the T.R.T.A. Western Division, and Mr. M. F. Barnard, president of the Mansion House Association on Transport.
The function was marked by a record attendance.