Britain’s Road Haulage Association (RHA) has called on political parties to put road freight at the heart of transport policy ahead of the general election, which will take place in the UK on 12 December.
The Association in its election manifesto document has highlighted five key areas:
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- Transition to net zero
- Skills shortage
- Infrastructure investment – roads and lorry parking
- Fuel duty
- Brexit
RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said he will continue working closely with government to tackle the industry’s major issues as it faces challenges to stay competitive.
Burnett called on the new government to match that ambition with sufficient investment, which also improves facilities for lorry drivers.
“An essential user rebate of around GBP0.15 (US$0.19) per litre to bring the UK into line with Germany would reduce operating costs and make British firms more attractive in the domestic and international markets,” said Burnett.
Burnett also called for a review into the DEFRA Clean Air Zone Framework, which will see GBP100 daily charges for delivering into city centres.
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By GlobalDataReforming the Apprenticeship Levy is key to attracting new people into the sector as it faces a driver shortage of 60,000, notes the RHA.
Concerning Brexit, Burnett reiterated the RHA’s long-standing call for a deal and transition period.
“Firms breathed a sigh of relief a damaging no-deal was averted last month but the uncertainty continues,” he said. “The new government must do everything it can to get business ready for the UK’s departure.”
