2025 Local elections are crucial for our key sector

Since last year’s dramatic general election, the RHA, other trade associations and industry leaders have spent the last few months working out what the new government’s agenda means for the road transport sector.

Today, crucial local elections are happening up and down the country which will be an indicator of what's to come, and will serve as an important reminder that the power to bring about change for our industry often lies in the hands of Mayors, Councils and local decision-makers.

All of this year’s local elections concern transport authorities: These are councils responsible for investing in new highways infrastructure, and ensuring that the local road network which so many hauliers rely upon is fit for purpose. 

These councils are responsible for road maintenance and dealing with the backlog of potholes that we see all too often on our roads. Crucially, it’s their role to develop a transport vision for their area which safeguards and promotes the role of freight in Local Transport Plans. They also have a significant role to play in advocating for the role of coach travel as a sustainable transport option.

Elsewhere, there are six mayoral elections happening. Mayors provide a single voice for a region, and have powers and responsibilities in relation to transport, economic development and provision of skills training. Given the government’s focus on devolution, the role of mayor will become more important. They are one of the main providers for HGV Driver Bootcamps, which in recent years has become a critical lifeline for getting a new generation of workers into the industry. Some mayors also have the powers of Police and Crime Commissioners and as such will play an important role in addressing the scourge of freight crime which drivers face too often.

Collaboration is key, and the relationship between industry and local government is one that’s neglected at our peril. Trade bodies like the RHA have a vital role to play in highlighting to local authorities the criticality our sector in communities up and down the country. We want to work with decision-makers at a local level to navigate the patchwork of complex local charges and regulations impacting businesses such as Clean Air Zones and Direct Vision Standard.

Given the UK Government’s focus on devolution, the role of Mayors and Local Councils will become more important going forward, which makes these local elections so significant. While we continue to lobby Westminster and advocate for change at the highest level, it’s clear that the role of local decision-makers is going to become increasingly more important for our industry with each passing year.