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Policy Campaign Spotlight
Championing the campaigns that matter
EU Exit
As the end of the Brexit transition period approaches, Logistics UK has maintained work with both government and businesses within the supply chain to ensure industry is prepared for 1 January 2020.
Logistics UK’s Chief Executive, David Wells, recently met the Minister for the Future of Transport and Decarbonisation, Rachel Maclean, at a service station in the Midlands to look at the pop-up Information and Advice Sites government has organised to assist hauliers in EU Exit preparations. We have also been regularly engaging with the agencies involved in preparations for Operation Brock and other UK ports to ensure trade continues to flow as seamlessly as possible, as well as pressing for contingency measures to assist hauliers who were unsuccessful in their ECMT permit applications.
We will continue campaigning on the key issues affecting members and assisting with their preparations for the EU Exit. Members can find more information and advice on our Brexit Hub.
Driver facilities
It is in all our interests for HGV driving to be an attractive and respected profession, and it is vital that there are adequate facilities for drivers to take their breaks and rest periods, as required by regulations. The provision of adequate stopping places provides benefits for drivers, operators, the community and the economy. At present, the negative images and experiences related to driver facilities are an obstacle for many people who might otherwise be interested in the logistics profession – most notably female drivers who are chronically under-represented in the profession. From planning officers in local authorities through to central government and those working in the industry, everyone must recognise their role to play in delivery.
The government can enable the provision of more suitable parking spaces; we have campaigned for years to create more secure HGV parking spaces with facilities and, although government ministers have made promises to deliver and Highways England has undertaken studies of what might be delivered, the shortfall of at least 650 spaces remains.
We have three priorities for driver facilities: the government should honour its own commitment to supplying the extra parking spaces; Highways England should act quickly to bring into use the areas it owns that can be transformed, and local authorities should recognise their important role in the planning process to permit applications for rest stops/parking areas in places where demand outstrips supply.
Published On: 10/12/2020 16:00:56
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