Roadway Update 5 June 2019

Coventry Clean Air Zone plans will hit shopper’s wallets

Coventry’s plans to introduce a clean air zone are starting to take shape with a proposed boundary being mapped out this week.

While coming as a blow to motorists in Coventry, it could also have an added impact on the wallets of city centre shoppers.

RHA md for policy and public affairs, Rod McKenzie said: "Of course we want clean air but not at any cost. Government’s move doesn’t help Coventry - its businesses or its shoppers.

“Hauliers operate on extremely tight margins – an additional £100 per day has to be passed on to their customers and the buck literally stops with the shoppers

“Government and local authorities must wake up to the fact that if the economies of UK cities are to grow, the industry on which businesses, shops, hospitals, universities so heavily rely to keep going cannot be penalised for doing their job.

Automatic Fines for Ignoring Smart Motorway Signs

Fines and penalty points will be issued automatically for drivers ignoring red ‘X’ warning signs on the UK's smart motorways.

New traffic cameras will catch drivers using the lanes with offenders facing a £100 fine and three penalty points.

The AA said that one in 20 drivers continue to drive in red ‘X’ lanes even when they’ve seen it.

Currently, motorists using lanes closed by red ‘X’ signs only receive fines if caught by police but this will change from June 10.

Smart tachographs required

Vehicles first registered on or after 15 June 2019 that require a tachograph will need to have a type 1C unit - also known as a smart tachograph.

Drivers of vehicles which fail to have one fitted or have the wrong type of tachograph could face enforcement action.

You can read more on drivers hours rules, which require the fitting of tachographs.

Scrapping M4 Relief Road Will Stunt Welsh Economy

The First Minister of Wales’ decision to scrap the M4 relief road is a huge blow for the Welsh economy, warns the Road Haulage Association.

The £1.4bn scheme would have relieved congestion on the key route and signalled Wales as open for business. But Mark Drakeford’s decision to ditch the project will dash the hopes of firms expecting improvements to a creaking road network after years of promises.

RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said that a thriving Welsh economy needs a fit-for-purpose M4 to attract new investment and spark growth.

“Firms frustrated with crippling congestion on the M4 will feel they’ve been let down by the Welsh Government.

“South Wales needs high-capacity, high-quality road infrastructure to keep people and goods moving efficiently. But scrapping the relief road without a clear alternative to reduce congestion will only make Wales less attractive to investors.”

RHA 75th Anniversary Lunch – 11 July

To be held at London’s Park Lane Hilton on Thursday 11 July, the RHA’s Annual Lunch will be a day to remember.

We have a great mix of people and personalities coming along - Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes will share her views on employment issues facing the transport sector, football legend Kevin Keegan OBE, an ambassador and entrepreneurial coach for BigChange will be presenting his tried and tested methods of motivation.

Finally, Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, Barack Obama and Michael McIntyre will be there, courtesy of the fantastically versatile impressionist Jon Culshaw – well-known for his radio and live stage performances of 'Dead Ringers'.

The event begins at 11.30 with a champagne reception, followed by a fabulous three-course lunch.

This is always a very well-attended event; it's the perfect opportunity to network, catch up with friends and make new contacts.

Tickets are available from just £190* and you can book a table of 10 for the reduced price of £1,710. To book tickets, just click here or call 0845 450 4195.