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IT'S YOUR MOVE Nat so long ago the BBC created

4th June 1998, Page 8
4th June 1998
Page 8
Page 8, 4th June 1998 — IT'S YOUR MOVE Nat so long ago the BBC created
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

a travelling roadshow under the heading "It's Your BBC!". Frankly, we don't believe a word of it: we no more own the BBC than the Crown Jewels. Still, as catchphrases go it's got just the right amount of pomp and circumstance, even if, in reality, it's as hollow as a drum. Now consider road transport. Is it "Your Haulage Industry?" The answer to that should be a deafening "YES!", but how many operators actually believe it? And how many are prepared to prove it? Judging by the large number of faxes we received in response to last week's "Are you ready for action?" survey, quite a few. An amazing 97% of respondents said they'd support an organised road protest, while 88% are prepared to challenge the law to get their point over. That's commitment. But is commitment on paper enough? Come 8 June, where will you be? Road hauliers aren't always the best people when it comes to organising themselves. And Steven Norris's recent remarks about the "unprofessionalism" of small operators have a grim ring of truth. But all the professionalism in the industry hasn't stopped the Chancellor from sending fuel duty rates through the ceiling. While the RHA and ETA have been criticised for failing to stop escalating fuel costs, given their total mem bership—little more than a third of all 0-licence holders— what do people expect? Perhaps it's now time to: "Ask not what your trade association can do for you, but what you can do for your trade association." And if that means giving the Government and the gener al public a clear signal that the industry won't be kicked around anymore, then let's give it—on the streets—on 8 June. Just like the BBC, "It's YOUR Industry". So what are you going to do about it?


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