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DfT denies adopting a

23rd October 2008
Page 9
Page 9, 23rd October 2008 — DfT denies adopting a
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Ihands-off approach By Roanna Avison THE DEPARTMENT for Transport (DfT) has come out fighting against claims that it has adopted a "hands-off approach" to the freight transport industry.

According to the House of Common's Transport Select Committee report for 2007/08, the Government's approach is not the right one, and it should not shirk its responsibility.

In response, the DfT says it has taken significant action to strengthen its relationship with the sector in the last year including establishing board-level responsibility for freight and holding 'listening to the industry' events.

The Government has also defended itself against suggestions by the Select Committee that it is not doing enough to level the playing field between UK hauliers and their European counterparts.

The Drr insists the comparisons based on fuel duty rates alone are misleading, and instead points to the Haulage Industry Task Group report, which, its says, shows that UK hauliers' operating costs are in line with their Western European competitors.

But Jack Semple, director of policy at the Road Haulage Association, has accused the Government of -sticking its head in the sand by relying on a flawed piece of research that does not compare like with like".

Jo Tanner. director of communication at the Freight Transport Association, adds that the Government says nothing about protecting UK operators from the threat of Eastern European competition.


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