RHA has slammed a move by councils to fine truck drivers for weight infringements as nothing more than a cash generator.
The Local Government Association (LGA) is calling on the government to grant councils new powers to tackle “rogue” HGV drivers.
The call is prompted by what the LGA describes as “lorry mayhem blighting villages and towns across the country” which it says results largely from lorries being “driven down routes not suitable for their size and weight.”
LGA called on the government to give councils “the power to fine rogue lorry drivers who flout weight restriction limits”, similar to those powers already held by councils in London and Wales.
Councillor Martin Tett, the LGA’s transport spokesman, said: “With powers to enforce moving traffic violations also given to councils outside of London and Wales they could act to prevent disruption by the minority of rogue lorry drivers that incorrectly use weight-restricted roads through our towns and villages and cause havoc and mayhem on our local roads.
“They would also help councils unblock congestion hotspots - and help cyclists ride more safely.”
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RHA chief executive Richard Burnett accused the LGA of targeting lorry drivers as a way of allowing cash-strapped councils to make up shortfalls due to reduced central government funding.
He said: “It’s clear that this is all about raising cash. The LGA has gone out of its way to demonise truckers to back up their bid – painting a bleak picture of lorries causing what they call ‘havoc and mayhem’ across the country.
“Lorry drivers are skilled professionals, trained to an exceptionally high standard and the vast majority are safe and compliant at all times. They should be respected for the vital job they do.”
