RHA urges Government to invest in UK Road Freight

The Road Haulage Association demands political parties to place road freight at the heart of transport policy, before the general election.
RHA in its election manifesto document has pointed-out five key areas which must be addressed to maintain the economy's development:
-Transition to net-zero
-Skills shortage
- Infrastructure investment in roads and lorry parking
- Fuel duty
- Brexit
Richard Burnett, the RHA Chief Executive has declared he will keep working with the government in order to overcome the industry's challenges.
With the help of the new government, he aims to combine his ambition of improving the road network with significant investments which help also the drivers to fulfil efficient shipments.
Regarding the fuel fees, he declared: "An essential user rebate of around 15 pence 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."
The new government is also expected to take the necessary measures in order to achieve zero carbon emission for the best interest of both people and businesses. 
The reformation of the Apprenticeship Levy is vital for attracting new people into this industry sector as the business faces a lack of 60,000 drivers. At this point, the approved apprenticeship standards don't suit the needs of haulage companies, and they don't cover the cost of training the drivers.
About Brexit, he strengthened the RHA's long-standing opinion regarding a deal and transition period: "Firms breathed a sigh of relief that a damaging ˜no-deal" was averted in October but the uncertainty continues. The new government must do everything it can to get businesses ready for the UK's departure."


Source: Freight Online