Get freight off the roads

Philippa Edmunds, of Freight on Rail (Letters, 8 October), is right to warn us against the introduction of LHVs (longer heavier lorries). Even the present generation of HGVs has a poor reputation where accidents, particularly fatal accidents, are concerned. Supporters argue they will be restricted to motorways and dual carriageways, but there is no guarantee of that.

She did not mention the direct costs imposed on the road network by HGVs, which inflict heavy maintenance costs they certainly don't pay for. Then there is pollution, for which the record of the HGV is poor. Rail freight is much cleaner, even diesel-hauled.

There seem to be obvious advantages in transferring freight to rail - not to do so makes nonsense of all the grants awarded by the Scottish Government and its predecessors.

Finally, one might have thought other motorists might have been grateful not to have to contend with these monsters in line astern.

Source: scotsman.com