Permit more permits
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British international operators will welcome the news that permit quotas could be increased for 1980. Although the decision may not be made until December a ray of hope is always welcome.
Germany will continue to oppose quota increases to force traffic from road to rail. Before doing so the Bonn government should be certain that its Kombiverker system can cope with demand.
It is now more than three years since CM commended this system to readers. Special trains were scheduled at weekends to convey British road vehicles across Europe to Lubjiana in Jugoslavia.
British operators modified trailer tilts to negotiate low rail tunnels. There was much enthusiasm for the system despite its high cost. Operators had been encouraged by statements that use of "road rail" permits would result in more "road only" permits.
The operators showed willing then — too willing it seems. if German Railways cannot cope with our requirements at economic rates they should not attempt to block road permit liberalisation.
With the support of the Transport Commissioner, Richard Burke, we should make progress this year. But operators have to know before December to let them plan their 1980 business operations.