RHA: Scottish hauliers in the snow - latest

Thursday, 16 December 2010 12:00 AM

After positive discussions with Transport Scotland officials and police yesterday (Wednesday 1512.10), the Road Haulage Association has been given some assurance that lorry stacking in adverse weather conditions in Scotland will only happen as a last resort - and only for a very limited time.

Commenting, RHA Director for Scotland, Phil Flanders said: "The Scottish Government recognises that HGVs are victims of weather disruption too. That's why it is important that we all work together to minimise any potential disruption for all travellers.

"These discussions have eased at least some of our concerns and we shall be maintaining the dialogue until a satisfactory, and mutually beneficial conclusion is reached for the road freight industry and the Scottish economy".

Notes to editors

Bullet points from the discussions written by Scottish Government

· We realise that freight/HGV drivers can play a crucial part in this, not only in keeping us informed of any issues as they happen but also in terms of keeping the network moving and we also recognise the particularly crucial role they play in respect of essential deliveries of food and fuel.

·This plan is merely building on what presently exists in that the police can direct any vehicle in a way that facilitates the smooth running of the network. In this particular case what we're asking is that if directed by the police, HGVs pull over to the hard shoulder for a short period to allow gritting and ploughing operations to be undertaken so that all vehicles can then return safely to the network.

· The Stacking of HGVs would only be undertaken under police direction and if conditions warrant it in order to allow more effective treatment of the road. HGVs would be pulled over for as short a period of time as possible and only until conditions allow for them to return to the main carriageway.

· Transport Scotland has implemented a number of measures aimed at keeping traffic flowing including; salt/ sand grit supplies on standby at known problem areas, heavy recovery vehicles to assist HGVs at no cost, using all available resources to further enhance our winter maintenance plant and a multi-agency approach to speed up co-ordination and deployment of resources.

Road Haulage Association - phone us first

For more details, contact RHA Director for Scotland, Phil Flanders on . . .

Tel: +44 (0) 131 333 4900

Fax: +44 (0) 131 333 0939

Mob: + 44 (0) 7801 500713

Scotland & Northern Ireland
Roadway House, The Rural Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge, EH28 8NZ

www.rha.uk.net

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