Roadway Update 6 March 2019

Brexit – we are not ready, says RHA

With only 17 working days left until the UK leaves the European Union, the Road Haulage Association is deeply concerned at the complete lack of clarity that remains with regards to border crossing process to the European mainland and beyond.

Commenting, RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said: “It is patently clear that government has lost its way. There are some momentous decisions to be made both in the run-up to Brexit and beyond. Yet tens of thousands of UK hauliers responsible for keeping the supply chain between the UK and the rest of Europe are still in the dark. Because of government ineptitude, they are simply not ready.”

But the Association is keen to point out that this isn’t just about trucks. It’s about the economy and the millions of UK and European businesses that rely on an effective supply chain. Those whose livelihoods depend on a smooth and dependable distribution network will suffer, for example, those carrying and those waiting for perishable goods and medicines.

Read the full story on RoadwayLive.

RHA urges international operators to apply for EORI number

The RHA is worried by reports that only a fifth of UK businesses that will need to apply for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number (EORI) if there is a no-deal Brexit, have actually done so.

There is a critical shortage of time until the end of March. It's vital that all businesses trading international (importers, exporters and international hauliers) apply for an EORI now.

The EORI number will be needed for new customs arrangements – without it, businesses won’t be able to trade.

You can find out if you have an EORI number online, as well as registering for one.

Read the full story on EORI numbers on RoadwayLive.

RHA attacks northern CAZ plans

The Road Haulage Association is challenging poorly planned clean air zones in Manchester and Leeds.

Greater Manchester could see haulage firms fold if plans to charge pre-Euro VI lorries £100 to enter go ahead.

RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett says that Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) plans are yet another attack on haulage and completely ignore the part it’s playing to improve air quality.

Meanwhile, Leeds’ CAZ plans to propose a daily entrance charge of £50 for non-Euro VI lorries. Richard Burnett pointed out SME operators only make around £60 profit per-truck each week, not nearly enough to cover the CAZ cost.

You can read more about the Manchester and Leeds clean air zones on RoadwayLive.

Councils to consider lorry parks

Swale Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council and Highways England are exploring the potential for new lorry parks.

This follows a report highlighting an “urgent and unmet need for official lorry parking facilities”. Submitted to the city council’s Policy and Resource Committee, it identifies a specific issue along the M2/A2 corridor.

With the county council also facing concerns in Kent, the report looks to an area which could be operated by the private sector, adding “an area near Brenley Corner is one under consideration”.

You can see the full story online, as well as the report.

Traffic Commissioners on driver compliance

The Office of the Traffic Commissioner has published a guidance document for drivers.

It contains 26 case studies of how commissioners have dealt with poor driver conduct, ranging from aggressive driving to tachograph manipulation.

The guidance also lists the starting points which traffic commissioners consider for different offences. You can find the guidance document online.

RHA at Microlise Transport Conference

At this year’s Microlise Transport Conference, the RHA will present an industry programme in a series of dedicated workshops.

The morning’s workshops will cover Brexit, Clean Air Zones and apprentices.

In the afternoon hauliers can seek expert advice in the RHA’s clinics.

You can see the register for the Microlise Transport Conference and see the full agenda online.