FTA answers government challenge to identify where red tape can be cut

Monday 27 June 2011

The Working Time Directive, London Lorry Control Scheme and the age limit for vocational drivers are just some of the areas where time and money wasting red tape can be cut, according to the Freight Transport Association.

The leading trade body was asked by the government to represent the logistics sector as part of its drive to reduce bureaucracy. Theo de Pencier, CEO of FTA, said:

“The often cumbersome regulations and rules that exist in the freight sector are a burden that the companies within it could do without. As ‘sector champion’ for logistics, we saw the Red Tape Challenge as a golden opportunity to put forward our considered views on how to cut red tape, and save the industry time and money.

“As well as being a tremendously cathartic experience, I believe there will be overwhelming accord throughout industry to see these common-sense measures adopted.”

Among FTA’s suggestions include:

• Urgent review of the London Lorry Control Scheme to incentivise uptake of quieter vehicles and mitigate the restrictions faced by operators during Olympics 2012
• The removal of mobile workers from the Working Time Directive
• Removal of requirement to carry the CPC Drivers’ Card
• Reduce the age limit for vocational drivers to 17 years
• Revisit the need for paper VED and O-licence discs
• Increase the weight threshold for vehicles affected by the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations from 2,500 to 3,500kg

de Pencier concluded:

“It’s not less regulation we want, but better regulation. For example, it is clearly barmy to insist vans leave their lights on while they are parked up overnight, but for larger vehicles, where the drain on the battery is not as significant, it is sensible.

“While many of these less-than-helpful regulations stem from Europe, it is still within the gift of government agencies to find imaginative ways to mitigate some of their worst effects and we welcome the efforts made to get an accurate picture of what those of us at the sharp end feel about them.” 
 

FTA Press Office

01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk