§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the effect upon the economy of London and upon the movement of traffic in London of the Greater London council's plan to ban lorries exceeding 16.5 tonnes gross registered weight from London at nighttime and at weekends as formally defined in the Greater London council's public notice.
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§ Mr. RidleyI have seen no adequate justification of the GLC's proposals. The effects are entirely unclear from the published papers.
Hundreds of firms and trade associations have written voicing concern over the potential impact of the GLC's proposals and voicing their doubts.
I am particularly concerned that the GLC has failed to provide any detailed assessment of the costs and benefits it sees flowing from its proposals. I am also concerned about the uncertainty that operators would face under the discretionary permit system, and the absence of satisfactory arrangements for enforcement. That is why I am pressing the GLC to hold an inquiry.