London, UK: The Road Haulage Association wants the new government to create a specific freight crime offence and a national truck parking security standard to deter criminal gangs preying on hauliers.
Public affairs manager, Ashton Cull, told BBC Breakfast: “Freight crime is low risk, high reward for highly organised criminals. This is happening every night in truckstops across the UK. We believe the specific offence of freight crime should be recognised, with tougher sentencing in place to reflect the wider harm caused.”
RHA policy lead, James Barwise echoed these calls on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“What we’re seeing now across the country cannot continue. Last year there were over 5,300 incidents of freight crime and £68m worth of goods stolen.
“We want to hear more from the new transport secretary regarding her support for the industry. Specifically, we need to see more safe and secure lorry parking. Without assistance from the Government on planning reform, we won’t get the secure facilities that drivers and businesses need to feel safe when doing their job.”
In the RHA’s Blueprint document released last week, it called again for more safe and secure parking and facilities. It also called for the creation of a specific recording category for freight crime incidents. The RHA says much tougher sentencing options need to be introduced in order to reflect the seriousness of the crime.
