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Mr X vents his frustration at the way politicians pay
Page 9
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scant attention to the needs and opinions of the road transport industry.
It's OK, you can come out now; our beloved Members of Parliament, those decision-makers there to help our industry, are on holiday. I for one hope their overlong sojourn helps them to see the world in which we operate in a clearer light.
I can think of few industries that are of such importance, that are given such scant political attention as road transport.
Take any copy of this journal or trade paper, and you find article upon article banging on about some legislative show-stopper or other. From over-zealous London parking enforcement, to road user charging we are always left wondering about the outcome. There never appears to be a pragmatic, reasoned response from government. It's all very well for the FTA and RHA to throw up their arms in exasperation, we're the ones who have to put up with the effects of procrastination day in, day out.
The dual fiascos of the delayed VVTD introduction and the scrapped LRUC do nothing to instil confidence in our law makers. They blindly go on making unworkable decisions, paying no attention to the well thought-out arguments put before them by those more knowledgeable.
The industry needs a respite from over-regulation —we can only adapt and overcome so often. No sooner have we jumped one hurdle than another is put in our way. This industry is so vital to the well-being of the country it needs to be treated with more respect. Why should we have to take on board legislation so inflexible it virtually prevents a driver from inspecting or tending to his load lest he should trip up! Most of us are still reeling from the extra costs and bureaucracy generated by the VVTD. The added costs of attempting to comply with the Working at Height Regulations, coupled with ever-decreasing margins, could be the signal for some sectors to throw in the towel. And that is before we are skinned alive by the costs associated with the next hurdle in our lives, namely the digital tacho!
"The dual fiascos of the delayed WTD introduction and the scrapped LRUC do nothing to instil confidence"