I was wrong, apologies to Geoff Dunning
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WE NOW KNOW a man who has, for the time being, been able to hold back the tide of another fuel duty increase. But we must remember he had help from his friends.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Freight Transport Association are to be congratulated for their efforts in this recent campaign. Their input has been crucial to the outcome. I have said on several occasions, once the shouting is over, somebody will need to do the talking. The RHA are the people to do it.
This year I have been severely critical of the manner in which the RHA leadership addressed issues relating to our industry problems. I am now prepared to eat a large portion of humble pie and say a personal thank you to Geoff Dun ning for taking the decision to recommend and support the FairFuelUK Campaign.
Initially Geoff had reservations about supporting such a campaign with membership funds, thinking it could be a non-starter. I resigned (threw my toys out of my pram) from the Southern and Eastern Regional Council, because I felt my views, when suggesting inancial support for a campaign headed by Peter Carroll, were not being listened to.
The motion was later passed to support the proposal. I got it wrong! Geoff Dunning took his time, looked at the situation, then made his recommendations for a decision from the relevant people within the association. He got it right and made an extremely good job of it. I sincerely hope Geoff will accept my apologies for my writings through the past year, which upon relection, could have been seen as indirectly challenging his capability as our association CEO. Geoff had the courage to move with the recommendations of the RHA board and regional council members. A lesser person might have backed off. I hope that all concerned feel it is a move in the right direction for the industry, and will continue the inancial support for FFUK.
I see this coming together of the associations and FFUK, as a revitalisation of the RHA, and a fresh approach to our industry problems. Mike Presneill MD, Presneill Tipper Contractors