Will it be biterbit?
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Tt seems strange that the J.Road Haulage Association would want to appoint Steven Norris, the man who did nothing for the haulage industry while he held the post of transport minister.
There were rumours floating around the industry that Norris was set to replace the outgoing director-general Bryan Colley for months, but I couldn't believe they would do it.
Apart from questioning whether the RHA should be appointing a former government minister so soon after he left office, I would ask what on earth do they think they will be getting for the £150,000 a year it is reported they will be paying him?
Last-minute hitches aside, it looks as though the Labour party will win the general election scheduled to take place in May, just as Norris takes up his post. Any effectiveness he might have had will be immediately removed. It might even hinder his role. When he goes to the new transport ministers to ask them to bring forth legislation on impounding, they will simply ask him why, if it is such a wonderful proposition, did he not bring it in himself?
Not only will they not be disposed to hearing the much-needed lobbying on hauliers' behalf, they might be alienated by the messenger. It appears to me the RHA has once again shot itself in the foot.
Aggrieved RHA member.