Prepare for enforcement blitz and backing for rail
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• by David Craik The Government has pledged its commitment to tougher enforcement in the haulage industry, including the impounding of illegally operated trucks. This comes as part of the longawaited "daughter document" follow-up to last summer's Transport White Paper.
Deputy Prime Minster John Prescott promises that increased funds will be made available for enforcement, with tighter controls over the notification of vehicles by operators.
Uniformed traffic wardens may be empowered to stop traffic, and enforcement agencies will be provided with "police stop" signs. Plans will be laid for further enforcement checks at ports and the Eurotunnel.
The document is designed to make sure "more freight is carried by rail and water", while improving the efficiency of distribution, improving safety and reducing the congestion, pollu bon and noise caused by freight movements.
There will be more railfreight grants and support for a "national framework for major freight interchanges". Hauliers will be encouraged to switch to 41-tonners on six axles, and the Commission for Integrated Transport will be asked to 'consider the case of the 44-tonne, six-axle lorry".
The DOT has not yet published a VED rate for 41-tonners; Prescott says it will be "commensurate with the road damage they cause". He also reveals that The whole system of setting VED rates for CVs will be reviewed.
Lorry movements are to be squeezed further with plans to give local authorities r more power to ban or restrict HGV traffic. The use of road charging appears bound to be extended and the impact of out-of-hours running is to be researched.
HGV driver training is likely to be regulated with an exten sion of the theory test and a requirement for HGV trainers to be experienced. The DOT is also to review HGV speed lints.
The document also refers to improving roadside rest facilities for professional drivers and consultation on the introduction of front under-run guards.
And the fuel duty escalator will continue to roll, with duty rising by 'at least" 6% above inflation every year.
Freight Transport Association director David Green was left bewildered. "Again this is all ideas and no action," he says. "The lack of commitment to increase freight infrastructure is disappointing."