Roadway Update 8 May 2019

Late MOT results and VED

The RHA is receiving reports of members encountering difficulty paying vehicle excise duty.

This appears to be due to DVSA delaying the input of MOT roadworthiness test data following passed tests. It’s not yet clear if these are isolated incidents or part of a wider problem.

If you have encountered issues paying your VED as a result of test results not being on the system, contact Tom Cotton by email

Parking Campaign – Write to your MP

A lack of safe and secure parking is a national disgrace.

To add insult to injury, many authorities are closing lay-bys without any regard as to where the displaced lorries will park, creating problems for drivers and communities alike.

One member recently notified the RHA of a large lay-by on the A1306 near Tilbury docks being closed. This area already has an acute shortage of overnight parking.

The RHA continues to campaign on this issue. When members contact their local MP to highlight the lack of parking, this campaign gains strength.

The Association has provided a template letter service for such contact. This identifies a member's local MP and has an editable message outline to help express concerns. The template can be accessed online.

On parking the RHA suggests adding something along these lines:

“On road parking is essential for lorry drivers to take regular rest breaks. These are breaks are set by statute to ensure that drivers are not tired when driving lorries. Local and Highway authorities are closing lay-bys without any regard to where the displaced lorries will park, creating problems for drivers and communities alike. We would like the Government to clearly support the ending of the closures and to support drivers and companies by ensuring more parking for lorries on our roads is a higher priority.”

RHA – campaigning in NI on skill-based immigration

Last week RHA Policy Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Martin Reid, took part in a round table discussion with the Home Office at Stormont House. The Government’s proposed skills-based immigration system was the topic of discussion.

From 2021, the plan is for a single scheme for all migrant workers (EU and non-EU). Outside the UK Shortage Occupation List (HGV driver are not on the list), applicants must meet skills and salary criteria. The current salary threshold is £30,000 pa.

It was pointed out by the RHA and others across many sectors that the £30,000 salary threshold is both unhelpful and very much skewed to levels set in the south of England, not NI, Scotland or Wales. The officials noted that the salary level is still “open for discussion”.

The RHA will continue to campaign for an immigration system that is based on the demonstrated skills needed across the economy rather than arbitrary salary levels.

Clean Air Zones – DEFRA wants to hear from you

DEFRA and DfT officials are looking to engage with road haulage operators who may have to pay new Clean Air Zone charges across the UK.

This request for engagement came following a meeting with RHA this week.

Officials are looking to develop a simpler system for businesses and individuals to pay CAZ if they apply.

Members who can spare around 30 minutes to discuss the issues over the phone with a representative from DEFRA should contact Duncan Buchanan by email

Birmingham - CAZ

Birmingham City Council is running a series of events for businesses and organisations impacted by the new Clean Air Zone.

They will provide an update on the CAZ and outline the £38m of funding being made available for individuals and businesses. The Council sees the events as an opportunity for businesses to find out what the CAZ means for their operations, how they can prepare their business and what support is available.

To register for an event, sign up using the Eventbrite links below. Birmingham City Council asks that no more than 2 people per company attend across the events.

22 May 2019, 9am-11am

4 June 2019, 9am-11am

18 June 2019, 9am-11am

2 July 2019, 9am-11am

RoadwayTV is live!

RoadwayTV, the latest RHA media offering is now live!

It's a totally free news roundup video delivered to you every other week.

RoadwayTV will bring you a concise summary of all the latest news from our industry, presented by Alex Minto.

It will be available on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and the RoadwayLive app.

Three editions are already available online, recorded at the CV Show last week and featuring interviews with Kevin Keegan, Nicolas Hamilton to name but a few.

Catch up with the third special CV Show instalment of RoadwayTV below.