London, UK: The RHA is calling on the government to introduce an emissions-linked rebate to encourage hauliers to switch to low-carbon fuels ahead of the autumn statement in November.
A move to make low-carbon fuels such as HVO more cost effective could help the industry accelerate its decarbonisation journey, says the RHA. Low-carbon fuels can help operators reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% while zero-emission technologies are developed, it adds.
The RHA is also urging ministers to increase the heavy vehicle mechanic apprenticeships funding band to £23,000. It says this could incentivise training providers to run much-needed programmes amid a growing shortage of mechanics.
Reforming the Apprenticeship Levy into a more flexible Skills Levy for apprenticeships and approved vocational courses such as skills bootcamps would help plug skills gaps in the industry.
The RHA is also calling for planning reforms, including the National Planning Policy Framework, to be strengthened to make it easier to secure planning permission for much-needed new lorry parks.
Funding for lorry parking should be ring-fenced and a cross-departmental taskforce established to “review existing facilities with industry and other stakeholders to develop long-term solutions”, says the RHA.
Richard Smith, RHA managing director, said: “Hauliers and coach operators need consistent laws and regulations that allow the sector to work and invest in a predictable way so they can continue to deliver for us all.”
