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Who's on the level?
Everything, as they say, depends on your perspective. "Frankly very little use at all" was the RHA's perspective on Monday's Industry Forum with the latest Transport Minister Gus MacDonald. By contrast the FTA was "quite pleased with the way it went". So were they in the same meeting' ?
Actually, yes—because it was, once again, a meeting where nothing concrete was promised. There was simply an undertaking to look into things "more deeply". We can imagine how much that will impress longsuffering hauliers; they'll be equally reassured to hear that MacDonald made some promising noises about "cherishing" the UK road transport industry.
But, for the first time, at least his department conceded that UK hauliers are not on a level playing field. MacDonald stopped short of accepting the FTA statistic that UK hauliers face costs 14% higher than other European operators, but his recognition of the problems faced by some sectors of the industry does at least open the door a crack towards remedial action. In itself, this is encouraging: it's the first time we've heard a minister admit the playing field may need tilting back a bit in favour of UK operators, even if his spirit level disagrees with the FTA's about degree.
But let's make no mistake: action is what is needed, not just talk. Whether MacDonald will deliver on this score in time for the next Budget remains to be seen. It's dear that there isn't going to be an overnight U-turn. So, frustrating though it may be, the industry must continue to take part in the Forum, both in November and beyond, and exploit it for all it's worth. Because only then, with the perspective of hindsight, will we be able to judge finally and fully what its true worth has been.