Roadway Update 10 April 2019

Roadway Update 10 April 2019

10 Apr 2019 Posted By Josh Reynolds

Central London ULEZ launched

Pre-Euro Euro VI lorries are being charged £100 per day to enter the central London Ultra-Low Emission Zone. The RHA believes this punishes the industry that’s done more than any other road sector to reduce emissions.

Hauliers running Euro V trucks are caught between a rock and a hard place, said RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett.

These charges will completely wipe out their already tight profit margins and make new vehicle acquisition impossible.

Mental health – Wellness on Wheels

The RHA has teamed up with NHS Grampian and Aberdeen-based haulier, Dyce Carriers to host wellbeing workshops.

This will play part of the Association’s Wellness on Wheels programme, which tackles mental health in road haulage.

The sessions focus on how to look after mental health, wellbeing, and learning techniques for building resilience. They’ve been a hit with truckers and a number of Scottish health authorities are watching with interest.

Authorities must do more on road crime

The RHA is calling on the authorities to do more to protect drivers and their lorries against criminals.

RHA managing director for policy and public affairs, Rod McKenzie said: “Police need to be more active in pursuing these criminals and bringing them to justice. The sense that you ‘can’t get away with it’ is an important deterrent. The authorities must tackle the yawning gap in adequate safe, secure truck parking.”

“This will require investment as the market has failed to do so. European drivers are often baffled by the poor facilities available for them to park safely, eat a meal, use proper toilet facilities and rest when they come to the UK. This is – or should be – a national disgrace.”

Follow the freight parliamentary group on Twitter

A number of members are working with the RHA and a group of parliamentarians to tackle the big issues facing the sector.

Sir Mike Penning MP chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Road on Freight and Logistics, which is adding some weight to the RHA’s work at Westminster. Some of the issues in the spotlight are the driver shortage and why the Apprenticeship Levy isn’t working for many operators.

Follow the APPG on Twitter:@roadfreightappg

Don’t use mobile devices at the wheel

RHA area manager, Tom Cornwell spelt out the dangers of using handheld devices at the wheel in an interview with BBC Essex.

A lorry driver was jailed for nine years this week after jurors found him guilty of killing a woman in a collision at the Dartford Crossing.

Jurors rejected his claims he’s been "listening to" a TV series on his phone and found him guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

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