SIR: The Government will shortly publish its White Paper on the integrated transport strategy - probably the most important policy document on transport for years.

Unfortunately, it is certain that road congestion will get worse and, at present, measures are not in place to provide viable alternatives for many journeys.

Although passenger transport and the use of the motor car will be crucial ingredients in the White Paper, it is absolutely vital that freight transport receives the highest consideration. Whatever we decide about the movement of people, clearly the delivery of goods and services to shops, factories, offices, homes and everywhere else, is paramount for the welfare of the economy and for our daily needs.

The Freight Transport Association says that, whatever else we do, we must find ways of making the very best use of the facilities we have at the moment. That means getting as much freight on to rail as we can; getting more goods on to fewer vehicles - 44 tonne lorries will help with that; considering lifting the night bans on environmentally-friendly trucks so that they can deliver at night and keep off the roads in daytime congestion; giving priority to goods vehicles on some busy roads at busy times and looking at effective congestion busting moves like essential road building and more public transport.

The movement of goods is a fundamental factor in our way of life. There would be no point in very many car journeys unless the lorry has been there first. We must make sure that our growing transport problems do not make it even more difficult than it already is to deliver the goods.

Heather Crocker

Regional Secretary

Freight Transport Association

Northern Region

Springwood House, Low Lane

Horsforth

Leeds LS18 5NU

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