Ahead of next Thursday’s Autumn Statement, the RHA is calling on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to introduce a fuel duty rebate for HGVs of at least 15p per litre to help bring down prices.

The RHA is also urging the government to extend the Energy Bills Relief Scheme for a further six months, launch more HGV Skills Bootcamps and ease access to training funding, to help the road transport industry through the cost of living crisis.

In a statement the RHA said: "Rocketing fuel prices have increased the cost of moving people and goods which is hitting consumers in the pocket. A fuel duty rebate would reduce operating costs and inflation, easing the cost of living and boost the economy.

The RHA also wants changes to the planning regulations to enable more truckstops to be built andgreater allocation of funding for safe and secure lorry parking sites, to help the industry recruit and retain drivers.

There is currently a shortage of around 50,000 HGV drivers in the UK and RHA estimates that another 11,000 lorry parking spaces are needed across the country.

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On Net Zero ambitions the RHA is calling on ministers to develop a decarbonisation plan that supports the industry throughwhat it describes as a "a complex transition."

It is also urging a reform of clean air zone policies to enable a more refined way to target sources of harmful emissions.

Richard Smith, RHA managing director, said: “We’re ready to work with the government on a number of solutions which could reap economic benefits and help ease the cost of living crisis.

“A fuel duty rebate for transport firms – similar to schemes abroad – would reduce cost and make the UK more competitive. We also believe that opening up access to training funding and improving driver facilities will relieve recruitment challenges and better protect our supply chains.”

RHA Autumn Statement Wish List:

  • Take action to reduce the cost of fuel through tax relief, introducing a targeted essential user rebate of at least 15 pence per litre for HGV drivers and coach operators.
  • Commit to no increase in fuel duty for diesel for a further two years.
  • Outline what support will be provided for businesses beyond six months as part of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, especially in light of the reversal of the proposed cut to corporation tax.
  • Reform the Apprenticeship Levy to provide greater flexibility for skills training.
  • Confirm long term funding for additional training places on the HGV Skills Bootcamps.
  • Extend the National Skills Fund to include all training levels.
  • Provide increased funding for safe and secure lorry parking facilities.
  • Reform the National Planning Policy Framework to make it easier to secure planning permission for lorry parking facilities.
  • Establish a cross-departmental taskforce to review existing driver facilities.
  • Commit to creating a commercial vehicle decarbonisation roadmap, to accommodate the diversity of vehicle operators.
  • Reform the existing Clean Air Zone policy to target the oldest and most-polluting vehicles.

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