RHA: Visiting trucks are much more likely to be involved in an accident than UK trucks

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Monday, 31, Mar 2008 12:00

The RHA believes that the public understand this basic fact but is concerned that the good image of the UK road haulage industry might suffer “collateral damage” nonetheless.

Department for Transport statistics show that trucks are almost 40% less likely to be involved in a road accident (per mile travelled) than cars, even though they are much larger and much heavier. The British road haulage industry has a core culture or safe (and fuel-efficient) driving that can be a role model for motorists.

"The issue of illegal operation is a serious one and we welcome the government’s commitment to tighten enforcement", said RHA Chief Executive Roger King. "This will become even more important when the A8 countries from Eastern Europe gain access to the UK domestic haulage market from May 1.

"Furthermore, we would like to see EU countries having the power to ban foreign operators who are serious offenders from their roads in the same way as they can disqaulify their own truck operators and drivers.

"Foreign truck drivers face more challenging driving conditions in the UK than they do elsewhere in the EU. The roads are more congested and they are driving on the “wrong side of the road”. The DfT’s Fresnel lens initiative has greatly reduced side-swiping and is an initiative for which the government deserves credit. We can build on that, by educating foreign drivers further at ports of entry".

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For more details, contact RHA Communications Manager Kate Gibbs on . . .

Tel: +44 (0) 1932 838917

Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451