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Norris takes over when
Page 7
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Colley retires from RHA
by Karen Miles • Just days after criticising the Government for dithering on the introduction of impounding, the Road Haulage Association has appointed as director-general the ex-minister who could have introduced it.
Steven Norris left the Department of Transport this summer after months of inconclusive discussion on impounding. He will become directorgeneral of the association when Bryan Colley retires in May.
Only last week the outgoing director-general attacked the Government's response to the Parliamentary Transport Select Committee's recommendation that vehicles running illegally should be confiscated.
Colley said: "It is particularly galling to have the issue of impounding put on the back burner after the industry had been led to believe ministers were sympathetic." As Roads Minister, Norris was criticised for underestimating the number of companies running vehicles without 0-licences and for failing to bring in impounding.
But the RHA emphasises Norris's record as a "proven superb communicator", capable of promoting impounding and the need for more investment in the infrastructure.
Norris, who steps down as an MP at the general election, says: "I am absolutely delighted to join the organisation, I look forward to taking up the considerable challenge of ensuring that, whenever transport policy is being developed, the need for the truck in modern times is properly understood."
The RHA refuses to reveal details of Norris's salary as the new director-general, despite press reports that it will be £150,000 a year.