Stonehenge - The sleepy hollow of transport policy 08 August 2007

Members of the Freight Transport Association (FTA) in the South West continue to call on the Government to make a decision regarding improvements to the A303 in the area of Stonehenge in order to benefit both the efficiency of this major trade route and the preservation of the historic monument. Despite the importance of the project and the fact that following a public inquiry in 2004, the inspector recommended a new dual carriageway which would include a 2.1km long bored tunnel in order to remove the effects of the road and its traffic on the prehistoric site, there has been no progress. In 2005 the then Secretary of State for Transport Alistair Darling announced a further review, the findings of which would be considered by a cross-Government Steering Group. Since then, nothing. FTA's Regional Policy Manager for the South West, Ian Gallagher, said, 'Stonehenge is one of Britain's treasures and it is flanked by a highly important trade route, the A303. We have all waited far too long for a decision on what is to be done to mitigate the visual intrusion at this world heritage site, and to improve the quality of this essential economic route to the South West of England. 'FTA, and its members using the road, urge new Secretary of State Ruth Kelly to expedite a decision for which all interested parties have waited too long. If our prehistoric ancestors could construct something as complex and inspiring as Stonehenge, then why is it so difficult for our 21st century Government to provide us with a bypass which would benefit both environment and economy? 'Since 1991 there have been over 50 alternative routes for the bypass considered. A decision is now urgent. All the time the Government delays in making its mind up the cost of the project increases, as do the costs to industry of the continuing delays on the A303. Whichever route is finally decided on, let's get on with it.'

Foot and Mouth Fear for Livestock Hauliers 07 August 2007

The Road Haulage Association is encouraged by the swift reaction of the authorities to the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease and is confident that this latest crisis to hit the countryside will end sooner rather than later. However, hauliers play a vital role in the UK food chain and the Association will be pressing Government for adequate compensation. RHA Manager responsible for the carriage of livestock, Roger Wrapson said: "Livestock hauliers are still recovering from the last outbreak of this horrendous disease 6 years ago. This latest episode could mean not only the loss of livelihood for individual operators, it could once again mean the loss of skilled drivers from this particular sector of the industry." The Association has heard of some restrictions being imposed on dairy products as well as live animal and carcase exports of affected species. Therefore, international operators should be aware that the situation is changing and before any such journey's are undertaken, the Association is advising members to discuss with ferry companies, consignors and/or forwarders the exact nature of organic goods being exported to ensure that loads are not refused exit at the ports. The DEFRA is updating is website as further information is available. www.defra.gov.uk

Another vintage year for the Vito 07 August 2007

Ipswich Wines and Beers has signed-up its very own ‘booze cruiser’ in the shape of a new Mercedes van. The beverage supplier has bought a Vito 109CDI Compact van from local dealer Orwell Truck and Van. Managing Director Mike Chaplin plumped for a Mercedes-Benz because of the brand’s reputation for low ‘whole-life’ operating costs compared to other manufacturers’ products. “The Vito is the right size for our business, and very economical to run,” he declares. “The Mercedes three-pointed star is also a by-word for prestige and quality, and helps to underpin our own corporate image.” Ipswich Wines and Beers is based at Ransomes Euro Park and supplies fine wines, beers and spirits to public houses, hotels and shops. Mr Chaplin has equipped the new Vito with optional air-conditioning to make summer journeys more comfortable. The company runs two other vans by another manufacturer and between them the three vehicles supply to customers within a 30-mile radius of Ipswich. Stylish, comfortable and car-like to drive, the Vito is the ‘baby’ of the Mercedes commercial vehicle range. It was the International Van of the Year for 2005 and features class-leading safety equipment, including the ground-breaking Adaptive ESP® anti-skid program and anti-lock braking, as standard.