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Taskforce to look into burning issues
Page 6
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taskforce that includes industry reps has been briefed to build on he Burns Report's recommendations. Lucia Cockroft reports.
1PERATORS HAVE cautiously elcomed a package of governlent measures, including a isk force building on the recornlendations of the Burns Inquiry, hich are set to keep the industry . the top of the political agenda. In his pre-Budget statement n Monday. Chancellor Gordon rown also announced a freeze n road fuel duty until next larch; tougher enforcement of ireign-registered vehicles; and [oyes towards a national road ricing scheme.
The Freight Transport and Road :aulage Associations have welmired the reforms, particularly ietaskforce,which include repre sentatives from the Department for Transport, the ETA and RHA, the CBI and the British Chambers of Commerce. FLA deputy chief executive James Hookharn describes the taskforce as a "constructive and welcome" response. -We'll be making sure this isn't another talking shop hut a collaborative effort with government to develop solutions for the industry," he adds.
Robbie Burns, author of the Burns Inquiry report, also welcomes the announcement but cautions that the taskforce must translate words into action.
-This is very positive," Burns states. "Although, as ever, it doesn't guarantee a result. What we don't want is another talking shop and I will be interested in hearing what sort of time period they will want to work towards.
"I would like to think the inquiry has done its job and brought the industry together with a single voice. The question now is, will it lead to some action?"
Tim Tann, partner at Holmleigh Haulage, which submitted evidence for the Burns Inquiry Report, says: "l'm pleased the Burns Inquiry has done some good. It's a step in the right direction but it'll need a lot more than this to help our problems.
"The fact is I've never seen the haulage industry in the state it's in and now our customers are starting to feel the pinch.
• See comment, page 3