RHA

Representing the interests of the UK road transport sector and commercial vehicle operators (HGVs, coaches and vans). Driving business on our roads.

[RHA @RHANews]

Today, our Senior Public Affairs Lead, @RHA_Ferdy, and Trade Policy Lead, @RHA_Alastair, joined @LibDems MPs Dr Al Pinkerton and Sarah Olney at family-owned specialist logistics firm Hedley's Group Ltd, hosted by General Manager Victor Jaques.

Ahead of the UK–EU Summit on 20 November, we highlighted the practical barriers facing British international road transport operators. Negotiations must prioritise a targeted, reciprocal exemption from the Schengen 90/180-day rule for professional HGV, coach, and van drivers, alongside reliable Entry/Exit System (EES) border recording and reduced customs duplication to keep British businesses competitive across Europe.

Thank you to Victor and the @HedleysGroup team for hosting, and to @AlPinkerton and @sarahjolney1 for taking the time to listen to some of the experiences from our sector.

#RHAcampaigns

[RHA @RHANews]

Police in Gwent report that some operators are ignoring a weight restriction when they’re moving abnormal loads such as mobile cranes along a stretch of the M4 in south Wales.

Officers urge firms to ensure that drivers are using correct routes, avoiding the weight restricted section between junctions 24-28 at #Newport.

All vehicles exceeding 44 tonnes are prohibited from using that part of the M4.

https://t.co/PfSK1ouhti

#AbnormalLoads #RHACostsAndRegulation

[RHA @RHANews]

The Government has opened the next Depot Charging Scheme application window today.

They aim to support the uptake of zero emission HGVs, vans, and coaches by part-funding the installation of charging infrastructure at fleet depots.

Officials say that applications will be assessed on a first-come-first-served basis or competitively if oversubscribed. The application window will close on 26 February 2027, and projects will have until 31 March 2028 to complete works.

This application cycle for projects implemented in 2027/28 will cover 60% of charge point and civil costs incurred, up to a maximum of £1 million across all sites. There is no limit to the number of sites that can be applied for, but the scheme is limited to one application per organisation.

The funding programme runs up to 2030.

https://t.co/6E5Cl8NcG6

#Decarbonisation #NetZeroForum #NetZero

[RHA @RHANews]

At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month – we will remember them.

[RHA @RHANews]

We put a lot of effort into keeping vehicles fit for the road. The people behind the wheel deserve the same attention.

That was the message from Aaron Peters at Transaid ’s Technical Advisory Board today, where he spoke about the #RHAWellbeingCharter and the Guide to Maintaining Driver Health.

The Charter is for businesses of all sizes across the truck, coach and van sectors. It covers drivers and the wider workforce, because the culture around a driver shapes the support they receive day to day.

Brigade Electronics Group Plc joined the discussion and shared its work on the Charter’s mental wellbeing pillar.

We also talked about what needs to change in practice, from safe, secure parking and better roadside facilities to training and leadership within businesses.

Thank you to Transaid for bringing us together and to everyone who took part in the discussion.

[RHA @RHANews]

A big thanks as ever to members who joined us at our Southern & Eastern Regional Council today.

We hosted today’s session in #Peterborough where we were pleased to get everyone’s perspectives on our industry’s challenges and how we can work together to tackle them.

Members today were updated on the annual cost survey, Wellbeing Charter, Benevolent Fund, HaulageHub and on our campaigning.

Our regional councils play a vital governance role, giving haulage, coach and van operators a voice to influence the future of the sector.

#RHAMembership #RHACampaigns #RHACostsAndRegulation

[RHA @RHANews]

Today's @TransportFocus report reveals that HGV drivers are less satisfied than the wider public with the quality of motorway services (90% vs 95%).

Our senior public affairs lead, @RHAAshton told @Motor_Transport that truckers deserve to have ready access to high-quality services stations and truck stops, and somewhere safe and secure to park...

#RHACampaigns #RHAFacilities #FreightCrime #RHAWellbeingCharter

https://t.co/BtKbmT4aV7

[RHA @RHANews]

Concerning reports in the media (including this piece in the @Independent) of people being threatened with European travel bans and fines for overstaying in the Schengen Area when they haven’t.

Stricter enforcement of the 90 days in 180 rule has been in play since the Entry/Exit System (EES) went fully operational from April.

But some travelling Britons say that their exits from EU visits haven’t been logged leaving them facing the sanctions next time they attempt to enter.

And members have flagged similar instances with their drivers.

Coach and truck drivers serving European routes cross the Schengen border multiple times. They are at heightened risk of unfair enforcement if their Schengen records are inaccurate.

We continue to raise this issue with ministers and officials, calling for a suspension of enforcement against professional drivers until the EES is working flawlessly.

We also urge the Government to prioritise securing a professional drivers’ exemption in its negotiations with the EU, to protect the health of the UK-EU economic relationship.

https://t.co/ecgihlI77y

#RHACampaigns #RHAInternational #EUUKSummit

[RHA @RHANews]

A big thanks to everyone who joined us at our autumn member briefing in #Peterborough last night.

As ever there was a lot of energy in the room and a good opportunity for haulage, coach and van operators to get up to date with industry developments from the traffic commissioners, legal services, insurance services and us.

Tomorrow night we're at Durham Cricket Club in Chester-Le-Street. Safe journey if you're joining us... Reserve your spot here.

https://t.co/tvv8OQyzrm

#RHAMembership

[RHA @RHANews]

https://t.co/4TrSsdyzMC

[RHA @RHANews]

Congratulations to the @welcomebreak Rotherham on being rated as Britain’s best motorway service area.

They received a 99% satisfaction rate in a @TransportFocus motorway services user survey, with more than 8 in 10 visitors saying they’d recommend the services.

The survey asked people about toilets, accessibility, food and drink, facilities for HGV drivers and EV charging.

Across the poll of 123 sites, HGV drivers reported a 90% rate of satisfaction which was lower than the general public (95%); improving conditions for professional drivers is a key priority for the RHA.

People who drive trucks, coaches and vans deserve to have access to high-quality facilities when they’re out on the road. Similarly, lorry parking should be safe – but we estimate there’s a need for another 11,000 secure lorry parking spaces in the country. Closing this gap is a crucial component in reducing opportunities for criminal gangs to target trucks for fuel and cargo.

We look forward to seeing further HGV driver insights from Transport Focus next month.

Link to report in the comments...

#RHAInfrastructure #RHAFacilities #RHACampaigns #FreightCrime

[RHA @RHANews]

Our latest Roadway - the Podcast. This episode focuses on preventing #diabetes and supporting our people living with the condition.

We talk about our journey to become a Diabetes Safe organisation, and how you can do similar through the #RHAWellbeingCharter

[Richard Smith @RHARJSmith]

NOW LIVE | Diabetes, Driver Health and the RHA Wellbeing Charter

How much do we really know about diabetes and the impact it can have on those working across road transport?

From hidden health risks to the importance of early diagnosis and creating supportive workplaces, diabetes is a conversation our industry needs to be having.

In the latest episode of Roadway – The Podcast, RHA Managing Director Richard Smith is joined by Kate Walker from the Diabetes Safety Organisation and Clare Murphy from the RHA to discuss:

- Why diabetes awareness matters across the HGV, coach and van sectors.
- The practical steps employers can take to support their workforce.
- The RHA's journey to becoming Diabetes Safe.
- How this work supports our wider ambitions through the RHA Wellbeing Charter.

Supporting the health and wellbeing of the people who keep Britain moving is at the heart of our Wellbeing Charter, and conversations like these are an important part of making a real difference.

The episode is now live!

👉 Click here to listen: https://t.co/VKwA6sRQpc
or watch: https://t.co/XFGyaD35M7

#RoadwayPodcast #RHAWellbeing #DiabetesAwareness #DriverHealth #RoadTransport #WellbeingAtWork

[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.

#RemembranceSunday

[RHA @RHANews]

Quick round-up of what we’ve been up to this week 👇

Government & campaigning – Continued campaigning on fuel costs, fairer payment terms and proportionate regulation. Richard Smith met Lord Leong to discuss business confidence, skills, wellbeing and decarbonisation. Our evidence on the Highways (Financing) Bill was also referenced in Parliament.

Westminster & political engagement – We held a Scottish decarbonisation roundtable with @kittysull1 Kirsteen Sullivan MP, discussed Section 19 permits with Sarah Edwards MP, and joined @John2Win John Lamont MP and @A_J_Snowden MP on operator visits.

Wellbeing – We launched the RHA Wellbeing Charter at Holyrood, bringing MSPs and members together. More than 3,800 people have now signed up.

Infrastructure & decarbonisation – We discussed proposed Direct Vision Standards in the West Midlands, attended Zemo Partnership’s event in Wales and supported calls for improved grid access.

Coach sector & skills – We welcomed the consultation on licensing restrictions for younger bus and coach drivers, an issue we’ve long campaigned on.

Out on the road – Our teams visited Freightlink Europe, T.P. Niven Transport, NuVech Solutions, Skeldons Transport Services and Walton’s Coaches. Richard Smith also visited Williams Shipping and Freightliner Group in Southampton.

Events & member engagement – We attended Eurobus Expo and held autumn member briefings in Hull and Bodmin.

Thought leadership & recognition – Our latest Roadway podcast explored fuel markets with Paul Holland of Corpay. Congratulations to Stanley Travel on winning Medium Coach Operator of the Year at the routeone Awards.

Back again next week 👍

#RHAMembership #RHACampaigns #RHAWellbeingCharter #RHACoaches #DrivingBusinessOnOurRoads

[RHA @RHANews]

You check your vehicle before setting off. Take a moment to check yourself too.

Have you had enough rest? How are you feeling physically and mentally? Is anything affecting your concentration?

DriverWell is an independent online wellbeing platform for the transport workforce, offering free individual access to practical information and tools on stress, sleep, physical wellbeing and more.

Employers can also access resources to help them introduce wellbeing conversations and support their teams.

Find out about registering your business and introducing DriverWell to your workforce: https://t.co/9zqIPuPyKV

[RHA @RHANews]

Our thanks to @A_J_Snowden MP for Fylde for joining us at Walton’s Coaches in Lancashire today.

Our Policy Lead, @JamesBarwiseRHA presented Andrew with a copy of the RHA Coaching Manifesto - Coaching Ahead and joined Jill Atherton Transport Manager in discussing the challenges coach operators are facing.

Amongst the items on the agenda with Andrew were: Fuel prices, the lack of recognition of the sector by planners, and barriers around doing school work.

#RHACoaches #RHACampaigns #RHAMembership

[RHA @RHANews]

Martin Bell joined @John2Win Lamont MP at Skeldons Transport Services Ltd to discuss the pressures facing haulage businesses and the people who keep goods moving.

Fuel duty, National Insurance costs, vehicle maintenance and customer demands were all on the agenda, alongside driver welfare, shortages, facilities and freight crime. The discussion also covered progress towards introducing a 50mph HGV speed limit in Scotland.

Visits like these give MPs the opportunity to hear directly from operators and drivers about the challenges they face and the support they need.

Thank you to Derek Skeldon and the team for hosting, and to John for taking the time to listen.

[RHA @RHANews]

Two independent reports shared this week by @Economy_NI strongly support many of the concerns our member firms have been raising for years.

Both reports find similar problems: smaller businesses struggling with admin and compliance, duplicated processes, regulatory divergence, and inconsistent guidance. Some suppliers aren’t providing enough information for goods movements, while others have chosen to stop supplying Northern Ireland altogether.

We contributed to the Fortior Insight Report which supports the development of a pilot Trusted Haulier scheme to support groupage movements. This is one of our key asks.

As things stand, one supplier’s missing information can hold up the whole process. A Trusted Haulier Scheme would recognise compliant operators and help keep loads moving more efficiently.

Since the reports were submitted, the new Trader Support Service platform (TSS 2) has gone live. We continue to work with the new providers to develop the service, but small and medium-sized hauliers have yet to see the improvements they need. They’re the very firms the reports say find it hardest to keep up with ever-changing requirements.

We'll continue to make the point that businesses need clarity and certainty. That means straightforward, clear and timely guidance. Our engagement with officials and policymakers at Westminster and Stormont continues on all of these issues - working towards finding solutions that improve processes and reduce costs and bureaucracy.

You can read both reports via:

🔗 https://t.co/29Uz9Q2MCW

[RHA @RHANews]

The Department for Transport has launched a consultation on amending licensing restrictions for 18- and 19-year-old bus and coach drivers.

It seeks views on whether the current restrictions on young Category D licence holders should change, balancing opportunities for young people and the needs of the sector with maintaining high standards of road safety.

The consultation is open for six weeks, closing at midnight on Friday 18 December.

We welcome this consultation and the RHA has long been campaigning for this issue to be reviewed and addressed to break down this barrier in the sector. We will be responding, and we encourage operators to respond directly too, sharing their experience and views.

Have your say here: https://t.co/glQ5UEvgBy

#RHACoach #RHACampaign