posted on April 16, 2010 16:45
Without entering the political debate, let’s all sincerely hope that the incumbent of No.10 on the 7th May will actually take a serious look at the road transport industry’s Transport Manifesto.
The transport manifesto was drawn up at a summit of trade association leaders and has won the backing of the RHA, FTA, CILT to name but a few of the industry leading voices. The manifesto contains excellent & common sense proposals, that are both feasible and practical and that will aid our currently ailing industry – see www.roadtransport.com/election2010. Now what is needed is for someone to take up these ideas and actually DO something…….
Transport IS the lifeblood of this country and as an example - how easily has the big freeze in January been forgotten? Snow that managed to whip the public into a frenzy of angst and resulted in “panic buying” at supermarkets; shoppers buying in fear that the shelves may never be stocked again. For us enlightened souls whom knew that distribution would resume as soon as the roads were safe, this did not present a problem – what it should have done is highlighted to the Government, the vital role that distribution plays in every person’s life! However, the snow is now a long distant memory and so it is left to us to keep highlighting the importance of our industry...… summer is coming and with election fever, the transport issue seems so much less important…………
But we ARE important - transport and logistics is the main “artery” of this country, pumping goods onto shelves, shop floors, production lines and consumer’s homes; every hour, of every day, of every week – keeping the country moving. Despite the encouraging research by the FTA, that revealed that 84% of the general public did know the value of haulage (in “life essential” transportation - such as hospital equipment, medical supplies and food &drink), however, at grass roots level there is still much convincing to be done. Many still see us a threat to their very existence, congesting the roads, polluting the air and the cause of accidents. This opinion seems to be supported by the “powers that be”, whom regulate and tax us in astounding proportions and so far, flatly refuse to bring any kind of relief to the UK transport sector.
We are also an industry that is completely aware of the environment and we are individually and collectively moving forward in leaps and bounds with telematic technology, technical engine specifications and “greener” warehouses. We are also a “sustainable” industry, in that goods will always need to be delivered and therefore transport will always be required and therefore, there will always be a need for employment – unless something incredible happens: like a comprehensive freight rail network or perhaps delivery by magic carpet… you decide which is more probable?
We are taxed on our emissions, we are taxed on our empty mileage - we are taxed, regulated, and rigorously checked on every aspect of our livelihood (which ensures the high standards to which we operate). I question if MP’s would have got in such a mess if they too, had been regulated like us??
The UK transport “artery” is slowly being severed – each week we see hard working hauliers being lost to insolvency, or simply shutting their doors – no longer having the resource or fight left, to keep going and we need action NOW.
We need a political “stent” to keep the lifeblood of our businesses flowing, whether it is the decoupling of duty on diesel, or a UK vignette system (as adopted by other Governments throughout Europe) that would provide vital funds to maintain and improve roadways - we need at the very least, debate at Government level and even better, some positive ACTION and not just empty promises of change.
This is probably the one & best chance, in the next four years to reach out to the politicians whilst they are listening and galvanise some positive support for our industry, our country and most importantly, our livelihoods.
By Becky Young