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The Road Haulage Association view
Page 52
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Geoff Dunning, regional director for the North at the RNA, is frustrated by many politicians evident lack of understanding of freight. "We developed the Regional Freight Strategy, but there has been barely any reference to it or acknowledgement of it by the local councils. And without a strong delivery mechanism, strategy is weak."
He cites Newcastle's Freight Quality Partnership as one of the high points in the region, but is disappointed that so many initiatives outlined in the regional strategy are being rejected or ignored by those responsible for local transport plans. "There is a desperate lack of parking and rest facilities in several areas in Teesside." he says. "But there is no action by local authorities to address the problem. The no-car lanes are another issue which is only being implemented in small areas in most they are obstructed by the bus companies."
Dunning feels that Durham councillors have been more public than normal in their anti-freight views, but fairly typical in their level of understanding. "It's ill-informed, naive and ignorant. They don't understand that the choice of mode can rarely be influenced by the Regional Spacial Strategy. But they don't want to know and they aren't prepared to listen."