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The RHA has congratulated Prime Minister Boris Johnson on his General Election victory but urged him to work with the freight and logistics trade on "a number of key issues of vital importance to member companies".

"Over the past three years we have highlighted the risks and impacts of whatever Brexit approach is taken," said RHA CEO Richard Burnett (pictured). "Enough time to implement and transition to any new arrangements for customs, lorry access regulations and labour is essential to maintain the UK’s supply chains.”

Burnett also called on the new government to "help with the transition to cleaner lorries".

“It is imperative to ensure that investment in vehicles and infrastructure is supported – with standards to drive change being introduced in line with vehicle and infrastructure life-cycles," he explained.

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“A growing skills shortage in our sector also threatens the future of our critical industry. Whilst we welcome measures taken by the previous government, namely the Department for Transport for supporting our Road to Logistics initiative, much more needs to be done. We call on government to reform the Apprenticeship Levy. The current system is not working for our industry and uptake amongst our members is minimal. As things stand, our industry has paid in over £300m while only being able to draw down approximately £20m.

“There are other challenges, too, as we look to address a widespread shortage of safe and secure parking facilities for our vehicles and drivers, higher fuel prices than our EU competitors and poorly maintained roads across the UK."

Burnett concluded by stressing that the RHA is "very much looking forward to working with officials to resolve these matters and will welcome the government's support for the road haulage industry, crucial to the UK supply chain and the entire economy".

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