Five Point Plan to Help Hauliers
The proposals follow a meeting this morning between The Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Keith Brown, the Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association.
The action plan includes:
- An HGV hotline to allow drivers to alert Traffic Scotland to incidents on the trunk road network.
- Extra TRISS (Trunk Road Incident Support Service) patrols in place.
- Fast track maintenance along trunk road diversion routes.
- Discussions with relevant local authorities to ask them to keep their key roads clear of non-essential road works.
- Progression of a request for an extension to the current relaxation of the enforcement of EU HGV Drivers’ hours rules from the European Commission.
Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure Keith Brown said:
“Today’s discussions with the freight trade associations were very constructive and we have agreed a five point plan to keep HGVs moving as works continue on the Forth Road Bridge.
“Both associations stressed the importance of the relaxation of drivers hours being extended to allow continued flexibility. I assured them that we are taking this forward with the UK Government and European Commission, based on evidence from the freight associations.
“We will meet again early in the New Year to give the members of both organisations an update on the repairs that are being carried-out at the bridge and to get feedback from hauliers on the measures we’re putting in place.”
Director of the Road Haulage Association in Scotland, Martin Reid said:
“The RHA welcomes the ongoing dialogue with the Minister and Transport Scotland as it is imperative that the interests of road hauliers are recognised, particularly while the essential maintenance is being undertaken at the Forth Road Bridge.
“It is absolutely essential for the Scottish economy that delivery routes are as free of congestion and hindrance as possible especially while hauliers are faced with additional costs due to the diversions in place. Our members are looking at all possible routing options in order to get their goods to the clients timeously and without loss of earnings and so the support of the Scottish Government becomes vital at these times”.
The FTA’s Head of Policy for Scotland, Chris MacRae, said:
“The Freight Transport Association is grateful to Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government for recognising the importance of keeping freight traffic moving at the busiest time of year for the industry. We will seek feedback from our members on how they are being affected by the extended closure of the bridge to goods vehicles in excess of 7.5 tonnes GVW and look forward to continuing close dialogue with Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government on the issues arising.”
Background
The current relaxation of the enforcement of EU drivers’ hours rules is due to expire at 23:59 on the 6th of January
The HGV hotline is 0800 028 14 14