MEET THE NEW BOSS — SAME AS THE OLD BOSS?
Page 17
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
What do you think of the new government so far in its approach to the transport industry and its issues?
Just a quarter of Trucking Britain respondents think it has either a much better or little better understanding of the industry than Labour did; slightly more than half (54%) said it is neither better nor worse than the previous administration: and 14% think the new government has a little less or much less understanding than Labour did.
Here are some verbatim comments from respondents:
IP "I feel that the ministers in the Department for Transport are better informed and will probably last longer in their jobs than those in the last government, who wanted to do nothing but interfere and regulate. I believe that this government wants to reduce regulation and make business easier, They won't, however, reduce taxes because they need the money."
• "It would appear they are willing to listen and work with our trade associations. As always, only time will tell."
• "They have not had much time to make any difference, but do seem to have a much better idea of the industry and are listening to what's being said."
• "I'm prepared to give them a little more time to see what they do. If they postpone the increase on the Severn Bridge, then they will go up; if they don't, then they are typical politicians' promise everything until the time comes."
• 'Road haulage seems to be a low priority at the moment. Simple things like the upping of A-road speed limits and the fuel stabiliser don't seem to be gaining any momentum."
• "A total lack of awareness of the problems of running a haulage company with decreasing rates and increasing costs!"
• "The government has taken a harsh approach to cutting spending in order to reduce borrowing — whether this is the correct response, only time will tell, but I would support them for having the balls to do it."
• "[Transport minister] Mike Penning seems a little more on the ball with regards to listening to the industry, but like all MPs does not have the power to change things for the better, instantly. Consequently, we'll be stuck in the usual rut for the next couple of years, unfortunately."
• "My thoughts are unprintable."
• "We will have a transport minster who will start off with great intentions, but will leave his post within months for better things — like all before him."
CM is set to interview transport minister Mike Penning before Christmas: we'll share Trucking Britain respondents' views with him and report back on his thoughts.