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Keep lorry weights lown suggests Union

9th February 1980
Page 6
Page 6, 9th February 1980 — Keep lorry weights lown suggests Union
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

)AD HAULAGE is too inefficient for heavier lorries to be thorised, says the Transport and General Workers Union in its bmission to Sir Arthur Armitage's inquiry into lorries, people, d the environment.

It says that the industry ffers from being fragmented d "bedevilled by operators th five or fewer vehicles." Jividuals have been encouged to enter it without "the cessary expertise or .ance," and many have suffad from rate cutting.

TGWU says there is no need larger lorries, as existing hides are not being used to eir maximum potential. imply increasing carrying pacity adds to the cost of eration.

"When the vehicles within e industry are utilised Iciently, then the question examining larger capacity hides arises."

To cure what are described the "imperfections of the asent system" of road hau;e, TGWU proposes the esblishment of a National ansport Planning Authortty, lich would plan and colinate all inland transport. It says also that joint iployer/trade union clearing uses should be opened to minate the present "parasite mring houses" which it sees as being a product of wasteful competition.

These would ensure fair competition and fair rates to users, and would stabilise rates for customers and carriers. Operators would benefit from savings in expenditure on fuel, tyres, and maintenance.

The Union says it accepts that people have grounds for being offended by lorries, especially where major roads pass close to houses, but it points out that the economy largely depends upon road haulage.

It remarks that lorries are too noisy, too smelly, and create vibration. But other forms of transport present similar problems, and guilt should only be placed in proportion to the offence caused.

TGWU points out the effect which power stations, cement manufacturing plants, and foundries have on the atmosphere, and adds that electricity pylons, radio masts, and electric railways all disfigure the landscape.

Motorways benefit industry and society, and, by bypassing protected areas for wildlife, they create havens of peace. It would be wrong if the Armitage Inquiry concentrated its efforts solely on the disadvantages of the lorry.

"Opponents of the lorry concentrate their attention on the vehicle as they see or hear it, and not its important function. Neither do they ask themselves whether another form of transport could be more efficient."


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