LRB backs down on truck hush kits scheme
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• The London Residuary Body has dropped its plans to make the fitting of hush kits on trucks operating within the London ban area compulsory.
In a letter to the FTA, LRB executive director Martin Bowen says: "The LRB accepts that in certain respects its interpretation of its functions in relation to the administration of the permit scheme has been in error and that from time to time its application of the relevant criteria to the granting or refusal of permits has been eroneous."
In particular, Bowen says: "The LRB will not so administer the permit scheme as to require the fitting of engine noise suppression equipment to a standard higher than that required by the EEC directives."
Plans to make the fitting of air brake noise suppression equipment compulsory have also been dropped, while the LRB talks to manufacturers. As a result of these moves, the ETA has dropped its plans to consider legal action against the LRB.
Don McIntyre, the F1'A's planning and traffic services manager, says: "We are de
lighted with the LRB's decision. It represents a victory for commonsense and reason."
McIntyre told Commercial Motor that he believes that up to 30,000 commercial vehicles could well have been affected if the LRB had insisted on persevering with its plans.
"We have heard from many FTA members who have been refused permits by the LRB because they would not agree to fit hush kits and brakes harnesses," says McIntyre. "We have written to the LRB asking it to issue temporary permits to all these operators."