The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has issued a compelling manifesto urging the next London Mayor to better support hauliers.
- The manifesto advocates for the appointment of a freight commissioner to coordinate logistics policy.
- RHA highlights significant challenges faced by hauliers in London, urging for major policy changes.
- Key requests include establishing a freight council and improving access for lorries within the capital.
- Efforts also focus on addressing a skills gap and integrating key freight routes to enhance efficiency.
The Road Haulage Association has presented a strategic manifesto aimed at transforming the logistics environment in London. With the upcoming mayoral election, the RHA is urging the future leader to appoint a dedicated freight commissioner. This role would be vital in navigating the complex landscape of logistics policies and ensuring that the needs of hauliers and coach sectors are integrated into the broader transport strategies of London, thereby fostering a more collaborative relationship with the industry.
Highlighting the current adversities faced by hauliers, the manifesto references a survey revealing that a staggering 95% of operators report dissatisfaction with driving conditions in London. This sentiment underscores the pressing need to reevaluate the way freight drivers are perceived and treated, emphasising their essential contribution to the capital’s economy. The RHA argues for a shift in perceptions to duly acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of logistics workers, whose efforts are often overlooked in policy deliberations.
The RHA’s manifesto also targets specific regulatory challenges, criticising existing frameworks such as the London Lorry Control Scheme and the Direct Vision Standard for being counterproductive. The RHA notes that these policies inadvertently increase traffic and pollution, and create compliance confusion. Particularly, the recent expansion of the ULEZ zone is condemned for disproportionately impacting smaller operators unable to afford new compliant vehicles, further exacerbating operational challenges.
To address these issues, the RHA calls for the creation of a London freight council. This body would function to bridge the communication gap between industry stakeholders and policymakers, fostering a deeper understanding and more informed decision-making. A priority within this initiative is to secure improved access for lorries, including potentially utilising bus lanes to alleviate congestion and designing infrastructure projects with adequate provisions for freight deliveries.
A crucial element of the manifesto is the call to tackle the skills gap in the logistics sector. By leveraging locally tailored initiatives such as the London Local Skills Improvement Plan and the devolved Adult Education Budget, the RHA seeks to ensure that the workforce is well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, affirmed the association’s commitment to engage proactively with the next Mayor to secure these strategic objectives.
The Road Haulage Association’s manifesto is a forward-thinking strategy to bolster support for hauliers in London.
