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RITISH INDUSTRY as a whole eeds to be made more aware I the important role played by eight transport. For without it, )e nation could not survive.
This was the clear message leted out by Ian Phillips, resident of the Freight ransport Association, to elegates attending the ,ssociation's annual national onference at Eastbourne last ieek.
Those who work in the -idustry are aware of the vital ole they play in the nation's .conomy, but for too long, they iave kept this fact to
hemselves, Mr Phillips :ontinued.
Now is the time to proclaim o the rest of industry just how nuch it depends on 3mooth-running freight .ransport.
If those who work in :ransport had taken it for granted that everyone else is aware of its importance, "we vvere brought up with a sharp jolt by the triviality of much of the debate" surrounding the recent White Paper, the president declared.
In the past, various Secretaries of State and Ministers of Transport had said it is a pity that captains of industry are not more vocal in this area. "This was in no sense a criticism of the FTA, which is well known for its willingness to stand up and be counted." It is to say rather,'" said Mr Phillips', "that, in the area of public participation, one voice is not enough to balance the strident rcriticism of roads, lorries, railways and freight generally.
More voices need to be heard from the rest of British industry, in the debate on freight transport, Mr Phillips added.