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Stobart Group boss repeats call for empty running tax
CM COVER STORY
christooherwa ttonfdrbi.co.uk STOBART GROUP has reiterated its call to the new government for a tax on empty running, 18 months after putting the idea to Gordon Brown's senior advisers.
Speaking to CM, Andrew Tinkler, CEO of Stobart Group. says that while the company is waiting to see more details of the lorry road-user charge, which the Department for Transport has promised to introduce during the course of the current government, it would he of benefit to every operator to see the charge reduce empty running.
-To me, if the focus could be on the charge for empty trucks rather than full trucks." he says, "it would get everyone together to reduce our empty miles. It would he more focused than charging for full loads where at least people are carrying something."
Tinkler adds that Stobart Group spent approximately £500,000 week on running vehicles with empty trailers last year, some l5% of the £3.4in it spends running its fleet of 1,800 vehicles every week.
He believes that Stobart Group accounts for just 2% of all CVs on UK roads and the lirm has managed to raise its utilisation levels to 85%, way above the industry average of around 73%74%. "That means you are spending 15% more on trucks, 15% more on fuel and 15% more on staff," However, he adds that the firm is not a proactive lobbyist:"If I can help the indusny to actually move forward. 1 am there to help."