London, UK: The RHA has called on the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to introduce a fuel duty rebate of at least 15 pence per litre and to extend the Energy Bills Relief Scheme for a further six months.
The RHA is also urging ministers to introduce more HGV skills bootcamps along with easier access to training funding so that firms recruit and develop staff. The HGV driver shortage is believed to stand at around 50,000.
Simplifying planning rules to build more truck stops and allocating more funding for safe and secure lorry parking would help the industry retain drivers and get more people behind the wheel, says the RHA. It believes that there is a shortage of around 11,000 lorry parking spaces across the country
The RHA also wants ministers to develop a decarbonisation plan that supports the industry through a complex transition. It is also urging reform of clean air zone policies to better target sources of harmful emissions.
Richard Smith, RHA managing director, said: “A fuel duty rebate for transport firms – similar to schemes abroad – would reduce cost and make the UK more competitive. We also believe that opening up access to training funding and improving driver facilities will relieve recruitment challenges and better protect our supply chains.”
