Forum recognises haulage crisis and reviews rebates
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• by Charles Young The government is to examine the practicalities of a diesel rebate scheme for hauliers, reflecting an increasing acknowledgement of the industry's plight. The plan was revealed at last week's Industry Forum, which was hailed as the "most constructive meeting yet".
Haulage industry leaders were also encouraged by the Government's commitment to:
• Interview foreign hauliers at major UK ports to help establish the extent of eabotage:
• Create a Forum sob-group to incorporate the existing review of Vehicle Excise Duty: • Set up two sub-groups to look at enforcement and sustainable distribution;
• Hold a further Industry Forum meeting on 9 February.
Transport Minister Lord Macdonald, the first minister to attend two successive Forums, has been singled out for praise by leaders of the Freight Transport and Road Haulage Associations.
FTA. director-general David Green says: "Gus Macdonald is managing this in an enlightened way. It was the most constructive meeting that's taken place yet."
Last Monday Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott handed over the day-to-day running of transport to Macdonald when he launched a 10-year, i80bn investment plan. However, Prescott retains overall control and will answer questions on transport in the House of Commons.
Macdonald told delegates at the Forum that the Government wants hauliers to compete against foreign operators—he promised this will be an important factor in future policy.
RHA chair man John Bridge wel comes the Forum's inten tion to "look at the practical application of a rebate scheme". But he warns: "There's a long way between recognis ing the problem and altering the Government's tax policy. We are not there yet in proving the extent of the unfairness."
• Trans-Action leader Frank Stears says the protest group is still very much alive and is willing to organise demonstrations if its members wish. Stears says TransAction has paid the legal costs of Joe Cook Transport and Finedon Bulk Haulage who were found guilty of driving without consideration last month following a London fuel duty demo.
The RHA has ruled out any more demos until after February's Forum.