Tories plan to shadow transport forum
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• The Tories are poised to launch a Shadow Road Transport Forum while they accuse the Government Of "complacency" over haulage issues.
The first formal meeting will take place in September, according to an aide of Shadow Transport Minister Bernard Jenkin.
"The industry is very disappointed in the road transport forum and we are keen to have a dialogue on a formal basis with industry bodies such as the Road Haulage Association," says the aide.
The move comes in the wake of heavy criticism over the Government forum's lack of progress— the next one on 6 September will be the third, chaired by the third successive transport minister.
Transport has been highlighted as a vote-winner by the Tories—the party has just created a role of transport campaigning officer at Central Office. And Jenkins move to woo hauliers was demonstrated on Tuesday (17 August) when he met Shropshire transport firms, anxious to discuss their plight.
"Labour should stop talking and start delivering before hauliers go bankrupt across the Midlands and the rest of the country," says Jenkin.
"The truckers attending this protest are furious at the Government's complacency," he said.