40-TONNE LIMIT: NEC REPUES • I read with interest your
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editorial "Muddy Waters" of (CM 24-30 September) about the 40-tonne limit. Perhaps our NFC Distribution Group point was missed. NFC Distribution Group does not "reject out of hand" 40tonners, as your editorial stated. We merely contend that there remain other priorities for most UK distribution fleets.
Let me clarify that we fully recognise that, for primary distribution and pure haulage concerns, the 40-tonne limit has significant advantages. Additionally there are obvious benefits for simplifying the efforts of those who sell trucks in the broad European market.
What we should all do is urge Government, through the Transport Minister's office, to finally "lay the ghost" of whether our bridges need strengthening and our roads need improving. Surely the Ministry should commission an immediate audit because this is the first essential stage in progressing from 38 to 40 tonnes.
I suggest all your readers write to Paul Channon at the House of Commons and lobby their local MPs to obtain the bridge survey. We at NFC have already written, but in the meantime, NFC Distribution Group are confident that other distribution efficiencies can be offered to most of our customers while we wait for the advent of 40 tanners.
Martytt Pellew Group Sales and Marketing Director NFC Distribution Group