RHA has stepped up political engagement with policymakers in England and Wales, securing cross-party support in Westminster for improved roadside facilities while launching a new Wales manifesto.
More than 100 parliamentarians have backed RHA’s campaign calling for improved roadside facilities for professional drivers, including coach drivers, amid concerns over safety, wellbeing, and freight crime. A total of 115 MPs and peers have signed the open letter to the Prime Minister, which urges government action to address the shortage of secure parking and rest facilities for heavy vehicle drivers.
While the issue is largely framed around the haulage sector, RHA says a lack of roadside facilities affects professional drivers across the whole commercial vehicle industry. Industry leaders have warned that poor driver facilities can deter new entrants to careers and worsen shortages.
It comes as the organisation also launches its Wales manifesto, calling on the next Welsh Government to prioritise workforce development, roadside facilities and realistic decarbonisation policies for the Welsh road transport sector.
That document sets out four policy priorities that the trade body says are essential to enable coach, haulage and van operators to grow and invest while supporting the Welsh economy. Its release comes ahead of the forthcoming Senedd elections.
Among the key issues highlighted is the need to address driver shortages through more flexible and accessible pathways. RHA says workforce challenges continue to affect both passenger transport and freight operations.
Driver welfare is also identified as a priority for the Welsh sector, echoing similar calls in England for government action on roadside facilities.
Also urged is a pragmatic approach to decarbonisation, calling for clear timelines, financial support and appropriate infrastructure to transition to lower emission vehicles. Investment in roads and infrastructure forms the fourth pillar of the programme.
Richard Smith, Managing Director of RHA, says: “Our manifesto is a practical programme that a new Welsh Government can get behind on day one. We want to work constructively with policymakers to get the right policies in place, on workforce, on infrastructure, on the transition to cleaner vehicles, so that Welsh HGV, coach and van businesses can invest with confidence and continue to deliver for the wider economy. With Senedd elections approaching, now is exactly the right time for political leaders to hear directly from operators about what is needed.”
