Met decision a retrograde step for business/policing partnership, says Logistics UK

The Metropolitan Police’s decision to disband its Commercial Vehicle Unit will set back the relationship between commercial vehicle operators and the police unless an effective alternative can be created in its place. This is the view of business group Logistics UK after working closely with the Unit to ensure the safety and security of those operating commercial vehicles on the capital’s roads, as well as other road users.

“The announcement that the Met’s Commercial Vehicle Unit is to be disbanded is a negative move that will have a significant impact on the relationship between commercial vehicle operators and the police,” says Chris Yarsley, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK. “We have worked closely together with the Unit for a number of years and our members value the insight and advice that collaborative working provides, to the benefit of both the police and the operators.

“The members of the Unit now have an excellent understanding of the working of our sector, and our close liaison has expanded knowledge in both organisations to the benefit of all road users. It is imperative that the strengths of the current Unit are not lost in any reorganisation to ensure continued expansion of expertise and no dilution in policy making decisions.

“Logistics UK is seeking urgent clarification from the Metropolitan Police on how the responsibilities of the Unit are to be fulfilled. If, as reported, it is to be absorbed into the Met’s Road Danger Reduction Team, we must have confirmation that the knowledge the existing Unit holds will not be diluted or lost, which would have a negative impact on the operators of commercial vehicles, not just in London but across the country. It is imperative that our sector sees the planned Road Safety Strategy for the capital, led by the Department for Transport, as soon as possible, so that ground is not lost in our combined efforts to maintain and improve road safety for all.”

News that the Unit is to be disbanded was first reported in Commercial Motor magazine, as the result of a Freedom of Information Request. Read more about it here (https://www.commercialmotor.com/news/article/met-police-to-dissolve-commercial-vehicle-unit-foi-confirms)

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk