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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from road freight hauliers regarding the impact of the proposals in the White Paper on integrated transport strategy on their industry. [58655] Dr. Reid: The industry is generally satisfied with the Government's approach to sustainable distribution as set out in the White Paper "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone". This Government's policy towards the haulage industry is to promote an industry which is sustainable; which is efficient and effective and which meets the Government's environmental and social objectives at the same time. For example, industry has welcomed the fact that 40 tonne 5-axle lorries will be allowed for domestic use as well as for international movements. Industry has endorsed our intention to improve enforcement in the industry through improvements in the efficiency of the enforcement agencies. We are ensuring that modern IT systems are introduced which will allow better co-ordination and sharing of data between the agencies. They have endorsed our intention to impound illegally operated vehicles used by cowboy operators. The industry has been very constructive in helping us to formulate these proposals. Such a scheme will help to ensure that, within the UK, hauliers operate within a competitive regime which is both fair and honest.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

58655; 319 c481-2W

Session

1997-98

Question not reached

Yes

Subjects

Industry Freight Large goods vehicles Policy Transport Roads