TRANSPORT SECRETARY ACCUSED OF WAGING WAR ON MOTORISTS

Grant Shapps, the transport secretary has been accused of waging a war against motorists by a group of MPs, FairFuel UK, and representatives of the haulage industry.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Fair Fuel for UK Motorists and Hauliers, together with the Road Haulage Association (RHA), Alliance of British Drivers and FairFuel UK, have written to Mr Shapps urging him to cancel the rollout of the new road narrowing, closures, and cycle lane measures in towns and cities, reports Kent Online.

There are claims that the initiatives will create extra congestion and pollution, and the letter calls for further consultation to develop a road users strategy. It also called for him to cancel the expansion of London’s existing Congestion Charge Zone to the North and South Circulars that is planned for 2021.

Craig Mackinlay MP, chair of the APPG, said that the UK’s 37 million motorists and delivery vehicles should not be ‘demonised’.

“We are calling on the government to stop the uncalled-for war on the motorist,” he said.

RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said he thought the Department for Transport’s (DfT) £42 million investment in green road schemes was ‘very poorly timed’, that creating additional congestion during the current crisis was a short-sighted decision for a sector that ensure supermarket shelves are stocked and essential PPE is delivered to hospitals.

“If DfT has £42m to spare, surely it would be better spent on raising road safety awareness for all road users? These are challenging times for everyone and DfT should consider more carefully how they can save themselves and the taxpayers money,” he added.

What do you think of the new green road measures? If you need haulage equipment, visit our online store today.