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Page 10
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Welcome to the new minister let's keep him on the right road
Some of the team were at the F A annual dinner earlier this week. Things were looking good new FTA president John Allen had given a considered speech, encouraging government to continue its investment in the road infrastructure and press on with road user charging, "providing there's no tax increase''.
The new transport minister, Dr Kim Howells, was there for government and his opening gambit was promising too. A few gags, a little repartee and onto the serious business. Initial thoughts? He's an affable Welsh bloke, son of a lorry driver, and anyone who can compare the road transport industry to Japanese bindweed can't be all bad. But then things started to slide.
There was a little too much rhetoric about the "essential service the road transport industry performs for the country". Too much time spent rambling on about the railways yes, Kim, we know FTA members are responsible for 90% of the country's rail freight, and we've bought into the idea that a healthy rail industry is good for road transport but let's not kid ourselves that rail is a viable alternative to road. And worst of all, we heard the first hint of delays in the introduction of the road user scheme. " Anyone who can compare
road transport to Japanese bindweed can't be all bad"
'We'll only introduce the scheme when we're sure it's ready" is hardly a shocking claim, but for transport operators it's more of the uncertain same.
We'll be asking the new minister some detailed questions about his policies as he settles in, but on first appearances well give him the benefit of the doubt. No doubt he'll warm to the task and get a bit closer to the industry as his tenure continues. Sadly, we also had to endure Ruby Wax. We won't dwell on it here. but oh dear!
• Elsewhere this week we've been looking at the government's consultation paper on the Working Time Directive (see page 26). On close inspection it may not be the complete disaster many had feared, but if you want to have any influence on this hugely important legislation this is your last chance, so get those submissions in now.
• And, finally, the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving is about to be banned. Check out our guide on page 38it could help you avoid a £2,500 fine,