A big thanks to our #Redditch-based member, Davis Aggregates for hosting an MP visit with Laurence Turner and RHA colleagues. Cost challenges were top of the agenda with fuel prices remaining unsustainably high. We also discussed taxes, local road infrastructure and policing. Thanks for taking the time out to host the visit! @RHA_Ferdy #RHAMembers #RHACampaigns #FuelDuty #RHACostsAndRegulation #RHAInfrastructure

Today’s announcement of significant investment in rail infrastructure in #Wales will be a boost to commuters and businesses. But the Welsh Government has repeatedly missed the opportunity to show similar commitment to roads. Moving people and goods efficiently is vital to Wales PLC and we continue to campaign for transformational investment in a road network that’s in dire need of improvement. A resilient road network is essential for moving goods and coach passengers reliably supporting manufacturing, boosting tourism, and safeguarding jobs in some of Wales's poorest communities. The M4 is the main trade route into South Wales yet remains a bottleneck, adding avoidable time to journeys which hampers business. Similarly in the north, investing in the A55 and constructing a third Menai Strait crossing would improve connectivity and boost the economy. Investing in rail is good but it must be done in conjunction with a similar commitment to improving our roads if we’re to make Wales truly competitive. gov.uk/government/news/prime… #RHAInfrastructure

We welcome the Government’s announcement of a new Road Safety Strategy to reduce injuries and deaths on our roads. The @RHANews is a champion for the highest standards on our roads and we fully support efforts to make journeys safer. We’ll lead our industry in supporting the Government to deliver on its mission to reduce road deaths by 65 percent by 2035 – a goal that will require genuine partnership with industry. We will be responding to consultations ensuring haulage, coach and van sector perspectives are heard as the Government presses on with its plans. It's right that this aspiration will be driven through a number of channels – education, technology and road design – and it will require solid governance to deliver effectively. Ministers have announced that the strategy will be overseen by stakeholders through a Road Safety Board, supported by an Expert Advisory Panel. We can offer the Department vital industry insight, experience and counsel, and are poised to do so. We also welcome the strategy’s commitment to piloting a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter for businesses that require people to drive for them. This aligns perfectly with our upcoming Driver Welfare campaign, making this a very timely commitment. We look forward to working with the Government to make sure this charter meets the needs of commercial vehicle operators. #RHAInfrastructure #RHACostsAndRegulation #RHASkills

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

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

Hauliers are frustrated that there’s still been no movement on increasing HGV speed limits in #Scotland from 40mph to 50mph. @RHA_MReid, our Policy Director told @_transportnews that Scotland’s businesses are a competitive disadvantage to firms in England and Wales which adopted 50mph in 2015. He said: “In 2020 a report evaluating the changes in England and Wales was published, and so this data has been around and freely available for five years now.” More here: transportnews.co.uk/2025/10/… #RHAInfrastructure #RHACostsAndRegulation

Our vice chair, Tim Wray of Multimodal Logistics Ltd raised our sector’s issues with Orwell Bridge delays and the impact its been having on operators using the Port of Felixstowe. He was joined on Saturday by other stakeholders at #Ipswich MP, @jackabbott90's town hall where they discussed a number of transport issues which also include the Copdock Interchange and the proposed Ipswich Bypass. Tim said improved infrastructure is vital with volume through Felixstowe increasing year on year, yet the road network in the area has remained largely the same for decades. With housebuilding a top government priority we’re clear that improving the road networks are a key enabler to support those ambitions and service communities and businesses. Congestion costs the economy £30.8bn a year in delays and loss of productivity. #RHAInfrastructure #RHACostsAndRegulation

We welcome the Government’s announcement today of £590m for the #LowerThamesCrossing. @RHADeclan, said: “This pledge is a sign of the continuing commitment to one of the most transformative highways schemes in the country which will bring about significant benefits for our industry and the wider economy. “The scheme is estimated to cost £9bn and we continue to await further information on the broader funding settlement for the scheme to ensure that the crossing is delivered in as efficient and cost-effective way as possible.” #RHAInfrastructure Read more: rha.uk.net/news/news/detail/…

Our MD @RHARJSmith met @RishiSunak MP to discuss #A66 dualling, a key infrastructure project. 👇 "It was a pleasure to welcome former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP to Bulk Logistics Group, a proud RHA member. We discussed the campaign to dual the A66 which is essential for unlocking economic growth, improving road safety, and ensuring reliable east-west connectivity." Read more: 🔗rha.uk.net/news/news/detail/… #RHAInfrastructure #Roads

Good to hear our chair, @chiefymc on @BBCGlos just now talking about the M48 Severn Bridge weight restriction. HGVs of 7.5t and above will have to use M4 Prince of Wales Bridge from 27 May for 12-18 months. This is vital work to future-proof the bridge but longer journeys will increase costs for hauliers crossing the Severn. There are further concerns about longer (100-mile) diversions when the M4 crossing is unexpectedly closed. We will remain in close dialogue with operators, National Highways and other stakeholders ahead of and during this period - and will feedback industry concerns. Meanwhile, we have produced an FAQ for operators affected by the measure (see link in comments). #RHACostsAndRegulation #RHAInfrastructure

Great news about Chippenham Pit Stop opening another 63 parking spaces for HGVs. @RHAAshton, said: “It’s fantastic news for lorry drivers that there will be a significant increase in parking spaces at Chippenham Pit Stop. "A lot of work has gone into this project over a number of years, and we’re delighted that truckers will now see the benefit. “Helping facilitate more safe and secure parking is a key RHA priority with a shortage of 11,000 spaces across the country. "The additional facilities at Chippenham Pit Stop shows what can be achieved with the right collaboration and support.” bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj3n… #RHAFacilities #RHAInfrastructure

We welcome the announcement that building work on the #Ballynahinch bypass in County Down should begin in three years. The Department for Infrastructure said work should commence in 2028-29 with the road set to open two years later. @RHA_MReid, RHA Policy Director, said: “This is good news for businesses and communities in Northern Ireland. Congestion stymies growth and costs the economy more than £30bn each year. The new bypass will make journeys more efficient and will improve the vital connectivity that drives the economy.” #RHAInfrastructure

#FreightCrime... Lorry drivers deserve to feel safe at work and that comes through loud and clear in @BBCMorningLive's piece earlier. Thanks to @SarahLamptey #RHAFacilities #RHAInfrastructure @RHAAshton @RachelTaylorMP @roadfreightappg

A big thanks to @BBCMorningLive for running their feature on #freightcrime today which is on the rise. Organised gangs continue to target trucks for their fuel and cargo - with many seeing it is a low-risk, high-reward crime... There's a shortage of 11,000 safe and secure lorry parking spaces across the country. We're calling on our governments and local authorities to help facilitate more developments - drivers deserve to feel safe when they're parked up at night... #RHAFacilities #RHAInfrastructure @NaVCIS_UK @APPGFreight @RachelTaylorMP

Why we need more safe and secure parking for truckers. Editorial from @RHAAshton looks at a new truck stop for #Kent, the closure of one in #Leicestershire and our calls on Government to help tackle the 11k shortage as they embark on their #SpendingReview. Link in the comments... #RHAFacilities #RHAInfrastructure

We've set out our vision on driving economic growth as the Government embarks on its spending review... rha.uk.net/news/news/detail/… #RHACostsAndRegulation #RHAInfrastructure #RHASkills #NetZeroForum #RoadsForGrowth

Spotlight on thefts of tools from vans ahead of a Bill in Parliament to increase sentencing for criminals. Tradespeople and firms losing thousands of pounds at a time and often struggle to recover. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg7… Similar issues in haulage with 5,370 reports of HGV and cargo crime across the UK in 2023 with at least £68.3 million worth of goods stolen. We’re working with MPs and the industry to better protect drivers and businesses from organised crime gangs targeting them for their fuel and cargo. We’re campaigning for more safe and secure parking, improved security at existing sites and increased support for law enforcement to tackle the scourge. Our APPG’s ‘Securing our Supply Chain’ report: rha.uk.net/Portals/0/RHA_APP… #RHAFacilities #RHAInfrastructure #freightcrime @AmandaMartinMP @RachelTaylorMP @RHAAshton

The #LowerThamesCrossing will ease pressure on the #DartfordCrossing and deliver huge benefit to the #economy, @JamesBarwiseRHA told @GHRNewsUK. New road building is vital to boost #growth. Our vision on the future of roads: bit.ly/40TVc4Y #RHAInfrastructure #RHACostsAndRegulation #RoadsForGrowth

Increasing road capacity through ambitious new schemes is critical to deliver the Government’s #growth plans. @RHAAshton, our Senior Public Affairs Lead welcomes the Chancellor’s announcement on the #LowerThamesCrossing which will tackle congestion and unlock economic potential… @LBCNews @LBC #RHAInfrastructure #RHACostsAndRegulation #RoadsForGrowth

#LowerThamesCrossing will boost growth, @JamesBarwiseRHA told @BBCRadioKent. Congestion costs the UK economy £30bn a year... Investment in roads will make journeys more efficient and increase connectivity. Our recent report explains: bit.ly/40TVc4Y #RHAInfrastructure #RoadsForGrowth