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High expectations for transport secretary
Page 9
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THE UK haulage industry has called on new transport secretary Geoff Hoon to get to grips with the issues the sector is facing and be committed to the role.
Hoon -previously Chief Whip-replaces Ruth Kelly, who resigned last week.
Theo de Pencier. chief executive of the Freight Transport Association (FTA), thinks Hoon takes on the transport task at a key time for the logistics industry in light of the credit crunch, overseas competition and high rates of fuel duty "The FTA and its members will be looking to Hoon to show leadership and to value the vital role that logistics plays in delivering the UK's economy." A spokeswoman for the Road Haulage Association says it doesn't matter who the transport secretary is, as long as they are "101% committed" to the industry and the issues it faces.
"We want Geoff Hoon to get the job done for us," she adds.
IIVRLA director general John Lewis says: -Appointing a transport secretary with the status and reputation of Geoff Hoon demonstrates that the Labour leadership does take this role seriously. We hope he can keep up the momentum on improving road safety and that he can provide some clarity on the Government's approach to road pricing."