Following the recent proposal to scrap tolls on the Humber Bridge moving a step closer, the Freight Transport Association, is demanding the Government show consistency by also considering scrapping the tolls on the Severn Bridge. Transport Minister, Sadiq Khan, has recently announced that he was “seriously considering proposals to scrap or reduce the tolls” across the Humber Estuary.

Ian Gallagher, FTA’s Policy Manager for Wales said,”It is terribly inconsistent of the government to acknowledge the need to take a principled approach to protecting businesses from unfair and uncessary tolls, while blatantly ignoring the huge cost to industry of unabated and seemingly arbitrary price hikes on the Severn crossing”.

Goods vehicles pay more to use the Severn Crossing than they do for using any other bridge crossing and the tolls were recently raised in the New Year by 10 pence per lorry.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has criticised the inflation busting increases being levied on heavy goods vehicle (HGV) operators saying it is bad for business and the environment.

Midland Expressway has increased the prices by 6.4%, despite a drop in traffic on the under used toll road and the leading trade body now fears lorries will now avoid the £700m bypass.

Stephen Kelly, FTA’s Head of Policy for the Midlands said,”Extra toll costs are the last thing the commercial vehicle sector needs, but by effectively closing the gate to this vital corridor for so many hauliers we are in danger of not realising the economic and environmental benefits that this road was built for in the first place”.

The cost of adding congestion to the traditional M6 route will be two-fold, with needless emissions from more stationary traffic plus wasting fuel while idling as well.

New toll prices will apply on the M6 from 6.00 A.M, 1st March 2010. HGVs will be charged 60 pence, more moving from £9.40 to £10.00.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has commented that above-inflation fuel duty rises last year were a major reason for a sharp rise in annual inflation.

Jo Tanner of the FTA said,”The cost of oil has doubled in the last year, placing an increasing burden on FTA members, yet the Government continues to add to this through more and more hikes in fuel duty. The obsession with raising fuel duty has blown up in the Treasury’s face, pushing their coveted inflation targets beyond reach”.

Last year the logistics sector was dealt with a 3.84 pence per litre rise in fuel duty (1.84ppl in April 2009 and 2ppl in September 2009),on top of a 2ppl rise in December 2008.

Tanner concluded,”Rises in inflation  are the last thing the Government will want this close to a General Election, yet the power to bring it down -and help businesses-is in its hands”.’

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has just launched the 48th edition of their Yearbook of Road Tranport Law 2010. If you are a commercial fleet operator and run HGVs or other commercial vehicles and vans, then this book should keep you fully informed on all aspects of road transport legislation, health and safety and duty of care.

The 2010 yearbox has been written by a team of FTA experts and includes details of the new fixed penalty system introduced in May 2009 and used by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and the police in roadside enforcement. The 2010 Yeabook costs £37.00 for FTA members or £79 for non-members with discounts for multiple copies. The FTA also publishes Van Drivers’ Handbook and the Dangerous Goods Drivers’ Handbook.

Visit www.shop.fta.co.uk to order.

The Freight Transport association (FTA) has welcomed the Council of Minister’s adoption of new rules which will bring safer roads and spell bad news for rogue commercial vehicle operators.

Road Haulier

The EU Road Transport Package, launched on the 24th September, will tighten up road operating licencing across Europe and will introduce new rules around cabotage (the movement of freight in one country by a vehicle registered in another). The latter point is set to become law as early as Spring 2010. 

The new rules will ensure commercial vehicle transportation companies across Europe will have to operate to the same standards of vehicle roadworthiness and driver compliance.

Road safety awareness needs to improve in the UK before the trend that has seen fatalities and accidents among cyclists rise in recent years can be reversed, says the Freight Transport Association (FTA). Last year the FTA worked with Transport for London on the London Cycle Campaign to promote cycle awareness and the use of fresnel lenses, which when used in addition to HGV side mirrors, can significantly reduce blind spots.

Jo Tanner of the FTA said ” FTA has worked with safety campaigners, police and Transport for London to improve road safety for everyone, whether they’re riding a bike or driving an HGV. This work is ongoing and gaining in importance as the recession and hopefully the weather, encourages people to take to two wheels this summer”.

Ms Tanner went on to say ” Blame is often apportioned to trucks because of their sheer size and by and large, UK industry has responded by making sure its drivers are the best in Europe and that its vehicles are as safe as possible.  We are not abdicating our reponsiblities but if more cyclists understood the risks of undertaking on the near side of an HGV, or that lorries have blindspots, then lives would be saved, especially in built up areas”.