Haulage seen as low-priority'
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RH FREIGHT MD Ian Baxter has attacked all three main political parties for making the road transport sector a "low-level priority" in the election.
In an open letter to the Secretary of State tor Transport Lord Adonis, Conservative shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers, and Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Norman Baker. Baxter says that the industry has a "right to know" what policies will affect the sector.
He says. The sector employs 2.2 million people, and contributes around Z74bn to the economy. This lifeblood activity is vital, yet it doesn't seem to be seen as a priority." Baxter is seeking policy clarification on fuel duty, investments in road infrastructure, road pricing, longer trailers and cabotage.
Meanwhile, the Scottish National Party has called for a freeze in fuel duty and the introduction of a fuel-duty regulator as part of its election campaign. The party says it will continue to oppose Labour's fuel-duty hikes and demand a fuel-duty regulator for the benefit of Scottish haulage businesses.
You can read our full interview with RH Freight's Baxter on page 16.
• For more on the Conservative proposals for road transport, turn to page 12. Log onto www. roadtransport.com/election2010 for our roundup of all party policies ahead of the election.