RHA welcomes progress on new haulage penalty scheme

The Road Haulage Association has welcomed progress on a new sanction regime for trucks. The Graduated Fixed Penalties, Financial Penalty Deposit and Immobilisation Schemes consultation is published today by the Department for Transport.

“These schemes have wide implications and we will be studying them in detail. We also hope to discuss with the DfT on the detail of how they are to be implemented, which will be as important as the regulations,” said RHA Chief Executive Roger King.

“Our main concern is that the scheme be introduced as soon as possible and with maximum effect in respect of foreign operators, who currently face no practical penalties in the UK for any but the most extreme offences.

“We alerted the Transport Select Committee to delays in bringing forward the scheme and note that its Freight Transport Report, published last week, expresses concern that its sees ‘no evidence that there will not be further set backs (para 26).

“While the government says it is ‘working towards’ starting the scheme in April 2009, it stops short of making a firm commitment. This is complex legislation, cutting across various parts of government, but I am sure motorists as well as road haulage and logistics companies will want to ensure that there are no further delays. Foreign trucks have a far worse compliance record and are much more likely to be involved in an accident than British trucks.

“We are re-assured that work is proceeding apace and we welcome changes from the consultation last year, in particular the incorporation of a £200 fixed penalty for infringement of the cabotage rules (under which foreign trucks may undertake some domestic haulage),” concluded Roger King.