RHA wins concessions on Manchester Charging Scheme

The Road Haulage Association has welcomed the news that the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) has agreed to delay the imposition of a congestion charge on trucks until they can prove that there are real cost savings for hauliers that result from reduced congestion. The RHA is also pleased that AGMA has recognized the vital role HGVs play in the economic competitiveness of the region.

The new proposals give the industry an opportunity to prove that the impact of congestion charging on car traffic in the first twelve months of operation does not meaningfully reduce the operating costs of trucks.

“This is good news,” said RHA Northern Director, Geoff Dunning. “We have had many meetings with the authorities and it is extremely encouraging to have confirmation that our voice has been heard. Operators in Greater Manchester will still be encouraged to vote ‘No’ in the local referendum, which could well mean the scheme fails anyway, but if the result is ‘Yes’, the industry will be able to demonstrate that the charge should not apply to trucks.

“In addition,” he continued, “The AGMA has made it clear that the establishment of a new partnership with the RHA and the freight industry in general in the New Year will have significant potential for the future of transport planning and the development of an integrated approach to a reduction in congestion within Greater Manchester”.

And there is also good news for Manchester recovery operators. The role they play in reducing congestion has also been recognized in the report which states:

“Charging such vehicles would provide a disincentive for them to attend breakdowns in congested areas. Consequently, it is recommended that a 100% discount should be provided for registered recovery vehicles that operate within the M60.”

“This is a win-win situation,” continued Mr Dunning. “Not only has the vital work of the road haulage industry been recognized, but the recovery operators who keep the roads clear for other users have also been acknowledged.

“I am sure that this is will be just the tip of a city centre charging iceberg. We can only hope that other Authorities will give our industry the same sympathetic hearing and concessions as Manchester have done”.