The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has urged the Government to rethink plans to ‘reallocate’ road space which will reduce capacity for motor vehicles and slam the brakes on COVID-19 recovery.

Government guidance provides for more designated walking and cycle space as commuters return to work but the Association is concerned that plans ignore the need to move the freight which will boost the economy.

RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said in a letter to Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Baroness Vere that squeezing vehicles into less space will clog up the roads – harming the environment and slowing productivity.

“All government communication about this initiative overlooks the need to accommodate freight activities. I have serious concerns over the potential for the wholesale removal of capacity that the guidance promotes.”

He said the Association is concerned that the Government is promoting restrictions on vehicles and removal of parking bays in the longer term, and warned that poor local interpretation will impose even harder conditions on firms collecting and delivering vital goods.

Road Haulage Association

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