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The infrastrudure needs cash now
Page 6
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The ETA demands action to improve the transport infrastructure now to ensure the stability of the UK economy. Roanna Avison reports.
THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT Association (VIA) has called on the government to recognise the importance of freight movements by investing urgently in transport infrastructure.
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Speaking on Tuesday at the annual ETA dinner at the Park cc Lane Hilton in London, president Andrewl lainesaskedwhy,whenthe economy relies on the movement of goods, the UK is not substantially increasing its investment in transport infrastructure. "Most, if not all, of the things around us were delivered in a lorry," he added.Is it not commonsense to make these operations as efficient as possible?
"We continue to waste millions of man-hours and billions of pounds because lorries are stuck in congestion, freight trains are held up in sidings and containers held at ports and airports."
Haines said the government has a responsibility to overcome these problems: "The Treasury collects over .£44bn a year from all road users and we are not getting value for money. With under f.Sbn per annum spent on roads it is depressing to think that UK plc does not recognise the benefit of investing to protect its business."
He pointed out that high fuel duty also hits CVs and called on the government to separate fuel tax for cars from that for CVs, particularly in light of high crude-oil prices.
Haines reminded his audience that foreign-registered trucks are still not charged for using the UK's roads, nor are they governed as strictly as domestic vehicles. He asked: "Why does the government seem unable to do something to protect its own business?"
Admitting to focusing on roads rather than other modes, Haines explained this is because road transport is so crucial to the UK economy because road movements dominate most supply chains. However, he stressed that investment must also be made in rail, sea and air if the UK economy is to operate successfully.
And he concluded that this investment must be made before 2014, when the government's current plans, outlined in its document Towards a Sustainable Transport System, come into force: "There is no shortage of ideas, such as lifting night curfews, hardshoulder running and allowing lorries to share bus lanes — hut we need action now."
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