P LETTER OF THE WEEK

2nd September 2010, Page 20

2nd September 2010

Page 20

Page 20, 2nd September 2010 — P LETTER OF THE WEEK

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RHA leads the way on pre-pack consultations

PETER CLARKE'S COMMENTS about the Road Haulage Association (CM Letters 19 August) are typical of those who have not established the facts before making statements. Of course the RHA has been seeking changes that establish a level playing field for many years, and his interpretation of our recent decision to bring all of that work together in a single programme, with the intention of getting real change in the way the industry works, grossly misrepresents what we have been doing.

For example, it was largely a result of RHA pressure that the Department for Transport gave VOSA £34m in extra funds to tackle the problem of illegal foreign trucks on our roads. We responded to the Insolvency Service's recent consultation on pre-pack administrations by seeking major change. We have also objected to licence applications from so-called phoenix companies — although Traffic Commissioners have rejected our arguments and granted licences The RHA has also taken the stance that we will not accept applications for membership from people with connections to insolvent firms unless they can demonstrate that the company failure was not a result of irresponsible trading.

In the near future, the Senior Traffic Commissioner will be consulting on his directions and guidance in respect of a range of issues, including such matters as interim authority. The RHA will take this opportunity to seek a real tightening of standards where companies have failed.

I would like to think that our critics would do something constructive and respond to this opportunity.

Geoff Dunning Chief executive Road Haulage Association