RHA briefing for the 2010 General Election - and beyond

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 12:00 AM

Whatever the outcome of this year's election and whoever holds the reins of power, the road haulage industry has to take a higher priority on the political agenda than it holds at present.

"This is a crucial time for the UK road transport operator", said Road Haulage Association Chief Executive Geoff Dunning. "We have seen a succession of transport ministers; seven in the past 10 years. If we are to make a real contribution to economic recovery, we need to have a committed transport team who can support us in our contacts with the Treasury and other parts of Government."

UK hauliers are the essential link in UK supply chains. To emphasise this, the RHA has compiled a comprehensive blueprint for the future of the UK haulage industry.

Key points for the next Government include the need to. . .

· Recognise the essential and high quality contribution that the road freight transport industry makes to the UK economy

· Tackle the unfair duty burden faced by the UK haulage industry in comparison with its EU competitors by charging a lower rate of duty on the fuel used by commercial vehicles and by ensuring that foreign vehicles pay for their use of roads in the UK.

· Maintain the government's financial contribution to enforcement and increase the efforts to remove from the industry those who flout the rules and undermine the health and reputation of the industry as a result.

· Encourage users of haulage services to be more flexible in their required delivery times and particularly to accept more out-of-hours deliveries.

· Maintain planned spending levels on roads, urgently improve road maintenance quality and work to ensure that high standards are set and achieved for local authority roads.

· Encourage local authorities to increase the access of trucks to priority lanes, such as Bus and HOV lanes.

· Implement a new process of active engagement with the RHA and others in identifying how public money can best be spent cost-effectively to improve further the effectiveness of the industry in serving the UK economy.

· Provide adequate resources for Police activities in relation to truck crime and encourage the highest possible level of cooperation across Police Forces.

· Recognise the burden that its duty regime places on the cash flow of transport companies, particularly in the present climate, and take steps to reduce that burden.

"We are not suggesting that we have all the answers to the UK transport industry crisis", continued Geoff Dunning. "However, if the new Government is prepared to work with us on these issues, we are confident that together we CAN make a difference.

"It is essential that the next Secretary of State for Transport is someone who will actually listen to the voice of this industry as opposed to just hearing it, and will represent the interests of our essential industry to colleagues in Government."

Road Haulage Association - phone us first

For more details, contact RHA Head of Media Relations, Kate Gibbs on . . .

Tel: +44 (0) 1932 838917

Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451

www.rha.uk.net

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