BURNS RECOMMENDATIONS: WIN, LOSE OR DRAW? CONTINUED
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7) A rebate system to de-couple UK trucks from cars, or a different truck-only diesel product, progressively rolled out starting with 38-tonne vehicles.
This proposal fell as a consequence of further consultation with large own-account operators. It was felt that a rebate scheme relating to specific weights of vehicles could not be practically organised as such an arrangement would severely distort the profile of many fleets seeking to enjoy the cost benefits of operating the most economic weight category of vehicles available. The by-product of artificial competition between UK-based own-account fleets would not have been welcome.
Win p Lose le Draw p
8) Beyond this evidence-gathering stage, a technically qualified group should convert this policy direction into a worked-through proposal.
Five years later, the government is considering As plans for a LRUC and is in regular consultation with the industry. Wine Lose El Draw El
9) A great deal of industry goodwill to be gained, for modest net cost, by charging foreign vehicles while relieving those most impacted by current policy within the UK.
So say all of us! If the transport minister is to be taken at his word that the industry is paying too much in tax and the time has come to tax foreign vehicles, then the goodwill is likely to be tangible. The development of the LRUC seems designed to achieve this very effect. Win g Lose Draw 11
10)The government must re-engage with the industry with a measurable agenda.
The establishment of the twice-yearly Logistics Sounding Board — with its representation from the FTA, the RHA, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Skills for Logistics, the rail freight industry, the ports and others — is just one signal of how the DfT is now constantly looking at issues relating to the 'f-word' —freight.
There is now a higher profile within the government for freight and logistics, and for its operational needs and problems. Win V Lose El Draw