Geoff Dunning comments on Deliver UK
Issue: Autumn 2009
Deliver UK is an ongoing campaign that is being organised by the RHA with the primary objective of getting clear recognition of the contribution that road haulage makes to the economy.
The campaign will include a wide range of activities including such things as engaging, through as many members as possible, with a targeted list of influential MPs, such as Party Whips, Parliamentary Secretaries and Ministers at all levels. We will be arranging regular events at or near the House of Commons, such as receptions or private luncheons where members will be encouraged to invite relevant MPs. We have also been attending party conferences in ways that offered opportunities to promote the campaign.
As far as members are concerned, we will be encouraging them to equip trailers with curtains that carry consistent campaign messages. RHA will arrange selective individual visits to senior MPs, Ministers and officials by both RHA staff and members. With regard to the press and other media, we plan to facilitate briefings for representatives of the trade and general press, at which messages relevant to the campaign will be promoted. We will also be engaging with other trade associations in sectors that have a significant interest in freight movements, such as agriculture, retail, construction and manufacturing, as well as less sector-specific organisations such as CBI, FSB and Chambers of Commerce.
A wide range of issues relevant to RHA members will be addressed by Deliver UK and we intend to deal with these under four broad headings: commercial, employment, technology and compliance. For example, in the commercial area, we will be pursuing members’ interests when it comes to fuel duty, with the ultimate objective being to ensure that the way that trucks are taxed is different to that of cars. On employment, we will be seeking greater commitment from Government to help the industry to attract more people and to train those already employed. Other sectors get much more public funding for training than us, and that issue needs to be addressed. On technology, we are dealing with the suggestion that trailer lengths should be extended, and will be ensuring that the potential implications for RHA members are properly taken into account. Finally, in compliance, we will be exploring the potential for more action to be taken to ensure that foreign hauliers who bring vehicles into the UK, comply with all of the various requirements that apply.
Deliver UK will be the RHA’s campaign for the industry. I hope that RHA members will get involved and will help to transform the way that this essential industry is treated by Government and others, who have an influence on or an interest in this essential link in UK PLC’s supply chains.
Geoff Dunning is Chief Executive of the Road Haulage Association. For further information, visit www.rha.uk .net
Published: 15/12/2009
