Paul Mummery

I speak for transport operators in the media. Head of News & Media at the RHA (Road Haulage Association).

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

The Government has budged on #fuel but firms staring at insolvency wont take much solace in a short-term delay in duty increases after what will be a tough summer... We need an essential user rebate now. #RHACampaigns #RHACostsAndRegulation

[Richard Smith @RHARJSmith]

We are encouraged that the Government is listening to industry concerns, and addressing cost pressures through measures they’ve announced today. But they should go much further.

We acknowledge the extension of the fuel duty freeze from September to December, and a temporary cut in red diesel which will reduce some costs for operators in the agricultural sector. It’s good to see that the Chancellor is listening after we and other industry groups have long campaigned against fuel duty increases.

A one-off 12-month HGV VED ‘holiday’ will offer some relief, but overall the Government’s action will have limited impact with many haulage, coach and van operators already on the brink.

We are seeking clarity from the Chancellor on further measures she could introduce to significantly ease the pressure on businesses. In the longer term we urge her to decouple fuel duty from RPI which is planned to start next April which will see prices rise again.

But the immediate picture is far more pressing. Cashflow is a huge challenge for transport operators against a backdrop of cost pressures, low margins, and the high rates of insolvency plaguing our sector.

Businesses need help now. Our recent fuel survey revealed that only 10 percent of operators can pass on all the fuel cost increases they’re taking on as the price of diesel has soared by 35 percent.

It’s never been more critical. This is why we urge the Chancellor to introduce an immediate essential user rebate – similar to schemes elsewhere – that would help haulage, coach and van operators substantially reduce their bills, and relieve inflationary pressures across the economy.

Your comments welcome

#RoadTransport #Logistics #HGV #Coach

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

We - @RHANews - are keeping up the momentum on securing a #fuelduty rebate for commercial vehicle operators to help manage inflationary fuel cost shocks. Haulage, coach and van operators - we need your input to hep us strengthen the case. More from @RHARJSmith...
#RHACampaigns

[Richard Smith @RHARJSmith]

As mentioned yesterday, today we’ve launched Fuel Survey 5.

Over the past few months, operators across the UK have helped us build a substantial body of evidence on the impact sustained high fuel costs are having across the road transport sector.

That evidence is informing our engagement with ministers, MPs, officials and the media - and strengthening our calls for targeted support, including an Essential User Rebate for commercial vehicle operators.

This latest survey has been updated slightly to help us better understand how continued fuel pressures are affecting business confidence - and what practical difference targeted intervention could make for operators.

As always, the survey is short and only takes a few moments to complete.
Please complete the survey before midnight on Sunday: https://t.co/WM7tgHmS9W

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

We're campaigning for an essential user rebate to help transport businesses manage costs, and to slow down inflation. Write to your MP. See more from @RHANews @RHARJSmith 👇
#RHACampaigns #RHACostsAndRegulation

[Richard Smith @RHARJSmith]

There’s an assumption that rising fuel costs can simply be passed on.

Our latest fuel challenge survey shows that isn’t the reality.

• Only 10% of operators can fully pass costs on
• 65% can only pass them on partially
• Over 40% can’t pass costs on at all - due to fixed contracts or customer resistance

That gap is being absorbed by operators - and margins are already under pressure.

For many, this is now a question of how long they can keep going.

We’re hearing directly from businesses delaying investment, pausing recruitment - and in some cases questioning their future.

That’s why we’re calling for an Essential User Rebate.

Commercial vehicle operators are not discretionary users of fuel. They are essential.

A targeted rebate would provide immediate support, protect jobs and help keep supply chains moving.

#RHA #EssentialUserRebate #FuelCosts #Haulage #Coach #Van #Logistics #KeepBritainMoving

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

Great to be here at the @RHANews Parliamentary Reception!

[RHA @RHANews]

Our #RHAParliamentaryReception is underway. A big thanks to @antoniabance our event sponsor for helping us make this evening happen.

The key theme tonight is driver welfare as we showcase our new Guide to Maintaining Driver Health. We encourage all operators to grab a copy in the link.

We've heard from our Chair, @chiefymc on the importance of hauliers, coach and van operators for driving economic growth, @Mather_Keir on the Government's support for our sector, and our APPG chair, @RachelTaylorMP on her work tackling freight crime.

Drivers deserve to feel supported – a key theme for tonight’s event. And that's why we're asking MPs and peers to sign our open letter to the Prime Minister calling for more safe and secure parking, and better quality rest facilities.

https://t.co/PlpUPU4F44

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

@RHAJon_ @RHANews @NetflixUK Impressive livery!

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

I'm very pleased that Geraint Davies is joining us today. He's a fantastic champion for the industry and will have a big impact on the work we're (@RHANews) doing to support our sector. Welcome, Geraint!

[Richard Smith @RHARJSmith]

I’m delighted to welcome Geraint Davies, who joins us today as our new UK Director of Partnerships.

With over 27 years’ experience across road transport and logistics, Geraint brings a wealth of knowledge from senior roles across the sector and will be leading our partnership and engagement work with members, industry, government and education partners.

I’m really looking forward to working with Geraint as he helps drive collaboration and deliver lasting value for our industry.

Please join me in giving him a warm welcome!

#Collaboration

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

Excellent press officer-ing from our team again getting this issue into @TheSun today. Firms are at risk as 90/180 EU rules will be strictly enforced. @RHANews is calling for a professional drivers' exemption to save UK transport jobs. #RHAInternational @RHAJon_

[RHA @RHANews]

This increases costs, and it threatens jobs...

☀️ Today, thanks to @ryansabey's report in @TheSun, with Leger Shearings Group we're highlighting the challenges of the EU 90/180 rule for international coach, van and HGV operators.

It is likely that a number of British businesses will go to the wall without easements for drivers on international work. This means EU-based firms filling the gap – and then taking on more UK domestic work.

We continue to work with other trade bodies to find a way forward, and we’re repeating our call on Government for a professional drivers’ exemption to help protect UK haulage and coach firms working across borders.

Read more here:
https://t.co/TI1nNCVXdm

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

Very proud that we've been nominated for this award for raising the profile of freight crime in the media. Fingers crossed for the #TAFAwards2026! #ProudBoss

[RHA @RHANews]

We’re delighted to share that we've been shortlisted for Media Campaign of the Year at the UK Trade Association Awards.

We've been nominated for our #freightcrime awareness campaign which combined traditional press and media, and social media to shine a light on an issue that has a £100+ million annual cost to the UK economy and impacts drivers, businesses and families across the country.

We’ve secured significant national media coverage for our campaign to urge the Government to do more to help our industry tackle freight crime. In the last year, we landed coverage in The Sun, Daily Mail, Times, the Independent, BBC News and GB News, giving this growing issue the attention it deserves.

We were instrumental too in helping the BBC pull together a prime-time documentary on freight crime and the impact it has on people and businesses. We worked with them over several months this year on their 'Lorry Crime Exposed' documentary which aired last month, facilitating member stories and industry insights.

Importantly, RHA members and members of the public were actively engaged in this campaign, raising the issue here on social media and sharing our content widely. The campaign also featured in a number trade publications, including our own Roadway Magazine.

We’re proud of the @TAForum Awards nomination as it’s a recognition of our work raising awareness of a critical issue that had previously gone under-reported. Our media campaign has played a key part in elevating freight crime from a transport issue to a recognised national issue.

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

@ANTHONYSTRAVEL @RHANews @CBWtweets @routeoneteam @HaltonChamber Well done, Oliver! @ANTHONYSTRAVEL

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

A great win for @RHANews campaigning, led by my colleague, @RHA_MReid for HGV speed limit on #Scotland's truck roads to increase from 40-50mph. Date tba by @scotgov... @FionaHyslop #RHAInfrastructure #CampaignWin

[RHA @RHANews]

We welcome the @scotgov announcement that the speed limit for HGVs on #Scotland’s trunk roads is to be increased from 40mph to 50mph after we've campaigned for the change for a number of years.

Our policy director, @RHA_MReid said: "We applaud the Scottish Government for this announcement. We have engaged in productive discussions with the Government, and they have listened and acted. This is tremendous news for Scotland’s road haulage industry. We believe it will make these roads safer, reduce emissions and help regional and national economic growth.

“We know through the trial on the A9 that when the speed differential between cars and trucks is reduced it also reduces the likelihood of risky overtaking. We also know that lorries use less fuel and create fewer emissions when they can drive at 50mph.

“This change will also rebalance the competitive disadvantage faced by hauliers in Scotland, compared to those in England and Wales, because of the current 40mph trunk road speed limit. When journeys take less time, they create savings which can be passed on to customers, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the Scottish economy.”

#RHAInfrastructure #NetZeroForum #RHACostsAndRegulation #HGVs

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

My colleague, @JamesBarwiseRHA in the press calling for road building projects to get started. Congestion costs £30bn+ a year... #RHAInfrastructure #RHACostsAndRegulation

[RHA @RHANews]

We need road building projects to get underway to boost the economy, our policy lead, @JamesBarwiseRHA told @DailyMail. The paper reports of gridlock on many of our major routes including on the approach to the #DartfordTunnel.

"Getting spades in the ground soon on new projects nationwide will be essential for tackling congestion and creating reliable journey times for hauliers and motorists," James said.

Congestion costs the UK more than £30bn in delays and inefficiencies.

Link in the comments.

#RHAInfrastructure #RHACostsAndRegulation

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

Good to hear my colleague, @RHAAshton on @BBCScotland explaining the impact #FreightCrime has on lorry drivers and haulage firms. Additional police funding would help #Budget2025 @NaVCIS_UK

[RHA @RHANews]

📻 Our senior public affairs lead, @RHAAshton, told @BBCScotland that #FreightCrime is a low-risk/high-reward activity for organised gangs. We need more safe and secure lorry parking to protect drivers and their loads, and we're calling on the Chancellor ahead of #Budget2025 to pledge the £6m a year specialist police units need to better target these gangs.

@BBCOne will be broadcasting their 'Lorry Crime Exposed' documentary this evening which features RHA members, police and MPs all setting out the impact it has on people, our industry and the wider economy: https://t.co/BSMuvqw5lc

We encourage you to contact your MP to call on @RachelReevesMP to announce this much-needed funding next Wednesday: https://t.co/bDoX5BVcT2

[RHA @RHANews]

We're referenced again in @TheSun today in an editorial on the upcoming #Budget2025 following our warning that a rise in #fuelduty would cost the economy more in the long run. Our recent report revealed that a 5ppl hike would actually cost £2bn a year...

https://t.co/pghAd8g42S

#RHACostsAndRegulation @EmilyMeeJourno

[RHA @RHANews]

📻 On BBC 5Live: Urge your MP to support the measures our industry needs to remain strong and competitive:  https://t.co/bDoX5BVcT2  ✍️

As we approach the Autumn Budget, it is vital that the government recognises and supports the essential role our industry plays in keeping the country moving. Our sector underpins every part of the UK economy.

That's why we’re standing up for hauliers, coach and van operators by calling on the Chancellor for measures including:
- Continue the freeze on fuel duty,
- Introduce a fuel duty rebate linked to emissions reduction,
- Freeze Vehicle Excise Duty,
- Extend full expensing to leased assets to help haulage, van and coach operators manage costs and invest,
- Make skills bootcamps for heavy vehicles a permanent option.

You can read our full range of asks and submission to the Treasury here:  https://t.co/nLHvxsrISG

[RHA @RHANews]

🔥📰 Eight in ten UK adults think fuel duty should stay the same or be reduced - that's the findings of our most recent survey, conducted by @Moreincommon_, and reported in @TheSun today.

80 per cent believe a fuel duty rise would push up the cost of everyday essentials.

We're calling on the Government to #KeepTheFreeze on fuel duty.

✍️ Tell your MP to back our campaign and support the measures our industry needs to remain strong and competitive: https://t.co/bDoX5BVcT2

👀 Read the full article in The Sun here: https://t.co/3GCrwtdGfV

[RHA @RHANews]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 @SamRowlands_ is backing #NationalLorryWeek 🚚💨

[RHA @RHANews]

We are delighted to be working with the UK Government Minister for Freight, @Mather_Keir MP, to celebrate #NationalLorryWeek.

We are pleased the Minister recognises the incredible work that drivers and hauliers do every single day; the #LorryLegends who keep our supermarket shelves stocked and keep businesses moving across the UK.

We look forward to working with the Minister on the UK Government's new Freight Plan in the months ahead.

Find out more about National Lorry Week by visiting: https://t.co/BcunxxGave

[RHA @RHANews]

🚚💨 Lorries don't just deliver food, clothes and construction... They deliver great live events 🏟️🎵🎶

For #NationalLorryWeek, take a look behind the scenes as @bycl1975 deliver another great live event.

Find out more about National Lorry Week visit: https://t.co/Ab06gB8Vq1

[RHA @RHANews]

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

[Paul Mummery @RHAPaulMummery]

#NationalLorryWeek is here! This is the @RHANews' eleventh - and I'm pleased to say my eighth. This is our industry's week to showcase what a great sector it is to be part of, and the critical job it does ensuring we have all the things we need. More: https://t.co/TlCcyahE46

[Richard Smith @RHARJSmith]

National Lorry Week 2025 is live.

This year’s theme, Driven by You, shines a light on the people who keep our industry moving. Drivers, planners, technicians, business owners, apprentices. Real people. Real stories.

We’re celebrating Lorry Legends, championing skills, visiting schools, and sharing stories from across the UK.

Get involved:
• Nominate your Lorry Legend
• Download the toolkit at https://t.co/n9FqvS68Tr
• Post, share, and help us show pride in our industry

Thanks to our sponsors: @backhousejones , @DriverHire , Enterprise, @M6tollRoad , RHA Benevolent Fund, @RHAInsurance, @RGVA_ltd , and @TheFuelcardCo .

#NationalLorryWeek #DrivenByYou #RHA #TransportLeadership #Relevance #TrustedPartner