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WTD 'crippling' IV Ps told
Page 7
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A DELEGATION of operators met with MN in London this week to demonstrate that the Working Time Directive (WTD) is unworkable and will cripple the UK's transport industry.
The 14-strong group, led by Staffordshire-based haulier Geoff Martin,told the chair of the Transport Select Committee, Gwyneth Dunwoody, and transport minister David Jamieson, that among other things, the opt-out clause for self-employed owner-drivers will put many companies out of business.They also explained that a reduction in working hours in March 2005 would force firms to seek out more staff in an industry desperately lacking in drivers.
Martin says he was forced to organise the meetings because trade associations have accepted that the WTD cannot be changed.
"The Road Haulage Association has to maintain a situation where it is relevant to the government. In doing that, it doesn't always represent its members' interests. It is preoccupied with relationship protocol. but we understand that."
He says Dunwoody recognises that the industry is already highly regulated and she intends to launch an inquiry into the fairness of European transport legislation.
Paul Frampton, chairman of Shepton Mallet firm Framptons International, says Jamieson thinks it might he possible to bring forward opting-out,in line with the WTD's introduction. Frampton adds: "We would like the RHA to support the proposition because the RHA has 10,000 members and we need that support."
But RHA chief executive Roger King denies it is letting hauliers down and says it actively encourages its members to lobby MPs.