Benefits and Services
Lobbying - a powerful voice for the recovery industry
The primary aim will be to promote the interests of the recovery industry, with campaigns being managed and co-ordinated by a committee of members, which is currently chaired by Nikki King of Isuzu Trucks.
Issues that will be pursued include:
• A recognition that recovery vehicles provide emergency services and should be given proper recognition of the significance of their actions
• Greater clarity in respect of the NVRM Contract, in particular the question of administrative charges
• Permission for use of Red and White Lights
• A general presumption that recovery vehicles should be permitted to use Bus Lanes and other priority lanes when on call
• A general presumption that recovery vehicles should be permitted to use the hard shoulder of motorways when on call
• The introduction of a Recovery Operator’s Licence
• Exemption from the Low Emission Zone
• A study of the Boarhunt arrangement with Hampshire Police with a view to asking for countrywide adoption
We will actively engage in co-operation with other organisations currently active in the sector, including the clubs and other associations.
Progress so far:
• A meeting of organisations involved in the industry was held at Isuzu’s offices on 2nd December. This was chaired by Brian Hagan, a well-respected figure within the industry, and seen as a major step in the right direction in respect of the recovery industry speaking with consistent messages
• Discussions have taken place with the Traffic Commissioners and they would be prepared in principle to support an industry-led voluntary Recovery Operator’s Licence and take it into consideration in any cases they heard
• Following discussions with the Essex Police, they have withdrawn the need for contractors to be subject to the ‘Vetting D – Disclosure of Financial Information’ procedure
• A meeting took place with FMG Support and the Highways Agency on 6th December to discuss how the NVRM Contract was progressing
• There has been an expression of interest from other motoring organisations and clubs in joining with us on initiatives that are mutually beneficial
• We will be meeting with the Transport for London in two weeks’ time to discuss how the recovery industry can work with the Olympics authorities
Information Advice and Guidance - quality advice for the recovery industry
Members will have access to the full range of support including:
• An RHA Helpdesk dedicated to RHA Recovery Members for help with issues such as employment law, drivers’ hours, tachographs and Operator Licensing. Telephone: 01733 265463 / Email: recoverymember@rha.uk.net
• RHA Recovery Member Briefings will be arranged around the country, when members will be updated on current issues affecting them as recovery operators
• There will be an industry specific electronic news publication and all RHA Recovery Members will be able to opt in for receipt of Roadway, the RHA’s monthly magazine
• RHA Recovery Members will have an exclusive section of the RHA website - www.rha.uk.net/recovery - which will give them access to information about the work being done on their behalf
• A directory of RHA Recovery Members
Membership Services - good value services for the recovery industry
There will be a range of industry-specific services including:
• A Recovery Driver CPC module from RHA Training
• Training packages for such issues as drivers' hours and tachographs
• An Audit service designed to underpin the concept of "R' Licences"
• The opportunity to participate in RHA Rescue - the recovery service for RHA’s haulier members. Only Recovery Members will be able to participate in this service
• There will be special offers for RHA Recovery Members in respect of the Tow Show, which is owned by the RHA
In addition to the above, RHA Recovery Members will also have access to the full range of RHA services, including RHA LawPlan, our most popular service, which provides legal expenses insurance
