For UK consumers to receive the numerous goods they have ordered, the nation’s road network needs to be in prime condition. But road transport is facing the consequences of Britain’s impending departure from the EU. Covid-19 has also placed a strain on the system, while pressure to raise environmental standards is a further headache.
This article was first published in the October 2020 issue of Logistics Insight, subscribe to the magazine by
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The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew by more than a quarter (+26.4%) in September, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In total, 52,096 vans, pickups and 4x4s were registered in the month, up some 10,880 units on a weak September 2019, when regulatory changes distorted the market. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The sector has shown incredible resilience throughout the ongoing crisis and September’s numbers indicate some confidence is returning as operators seek flexibility and lower operating costs. However, the context of these figures is important as the headline growth belies a very weak September 2019 and is still short of the rolling average. From new social distancing restrictions, to job losses as the furlough scheme comes to an end next month, and the ticking clock that is the end of the Brexit transition period, the next quarter holds myriad challenges for the industry.”
The RHA remains extremely sceptical about Government’s readiness for the end of the Brexit transition period. It says that between 30-50% of trucks crossing the Channel won’t be ready for the new regulations coming into force on 1 January 2021, while a “lack of capacity to hold unready trucks at French ports” could reduce the flow of traffic across the Dover Strait to 60-80% of normal levels.
Roads policing should be governed and administered at a nationwide level so that the application of roads policing is consistent across the whole network, according to Logistics UK. Logistics UK is calling for common, unified road safety objectives which all enforcement bodies are committed to achieving and that are governed and administered at a national level. Logistics UK is also calling for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to take the lead on the enforcement of commercial vehicle road safety with respect to driver fatigue and vehicle maintenance to ensure enforcement bodies are not operating in silos, duplicating efforts, or using their resources otherwise inefficiently.
SMMT has developed a Safe Harbour scheme, designed to help suppliers and other businesses across the entire automotive sector that have been impacted by Covid-19 and who may be at risk of insolvency. The scheme works by bringing key stakeholders and customers together to develop and agree an action plan. That plan could include a range of measures such as adjusting payment terms for that common supplier if they are experiencing cash flow issues, as well as other measures which ultimately will enable the continuity of business.
We applaud the industry for its support of businesses that may be struggling during these challenging times.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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