RHA Road Haulage Association : Messenger 25 January

RHA Pay Survey published

The annual RHA Pay Survey report is now available to members and shows continuing pressure to increase driver pay rates. Our thanks to the many members - more than 150 - who took part in the survey.

RHA members can access the survey HERE, or request a copy from Nick Deal: [e-mail]

RHA before Home Affairs committee

RHA director of policy Jack Semple gave evidence on Brexit to the Home Affairs committee on Wednesday this week. Questions focused on what would be the impact on road haulage services of the UK exiting the EU. The RHA has stressed the importance of HMRC being fully prepared from Day One of the change. At the same time, deputy policy director was discussing the issue at a meeting with HMRC.

Belfast meeting on Brexit

The RHA organised a meeting with a group of Northern Ireland members in Belfast this week, to discuss the impact of Brexit. Also attending were officials from the Department for Transport in London. The meeting is part of a continuing engagement on Brexit with government and others. In the last week this has included meetings with the Border Agency and Customs, as well as working meetings with transport and other businesses from Ireland and Belgium. Please send comments to [e-mail].

Heathrow parking crisis talks

The RHA has been attending meetings about severe parking problems around Heathrow, with the latest this week. A further meeting will be held early next month with the airport, local authority, CEO's from ten large transport operators and others. The behaviour of drivers - mostly from abroad - has caused concern but it is pointed out that there are inadequate parking facilities. Feedback welcome to [e-mail]

Dover TAP roadside signs

Transport Focus has called on Highways England to improve communications to drivers about delays relating to Dover TAP. Roadside signs were favoured by 75% of drivers surveyed, over Text alerts or Apps.

The proposed Stack lorry holding area should have showers and a high level of security, as well as toilets, TF said. More HERE.

Levy payers and training

The RHA held a successful Apprenticeship Levy Seminar for larger members who will be paying the new apprenticeship levy from April. More than 50 members attended the event at the GTG Academy in Wolverhampton.

Deputy policy director Colin Snape explained how firms can ensure they recoup their levy payments through the new Trailblazer apprenticeships within the required 24 months. Follow on regional meetings were suggested by members, along with a separate group for those interested in becoming training providers.

The RHA will be highlighting opportunities to the whole industry in the next three months.

London congestion soars 30%

Transport for London figures say that congestion costs in the capital rose by a stunning 30% in the two years to 2014/15, to £5.5 billion. This stands out from a newly-published London Assembly report called London Stalling, reducing traffic congestion in London.

The report calls for reform of the C-Charge and, longer term, a road tolling system to replace vehicle excise duty - which it says should be a devolved function. The RHA will seek comments from members and will be responding.

TfL Direct Vision standard

Transport for London has just launched its Direct Vision standard, as part of its rolling safer lorry scheme. We will be analysing the proposals, consulting with members and responding. Click HERE.

The RHA met TfL officials before Christmas and re-stated they should come up with an analysis of the benefits and costs, impacts and practicalities. Our formal comment to the consultation early last year is HERE.

TfL estimates that 130,000 HGVs a year come into London.