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DfT considers drivers' hours rethink
Page 6
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THE DEPARTMENT FOR Transport (DfT) was canvassing the views of Scottish haulage companies as CM went to press, to find out whether drivers' hours rules should be relaxed in light of the Grangemouth oil refinery strike.
The moveechoed attemptsby the government to cope with previous crises, such as the last foot and mouth outbreak and the explosion on the Buncefield industrial estate. If the DfT believes operators are experiencing difficulties over fuel supply as a result of the Grangemouth closure, fuel delivery drivers' working time rules will be relaxed so that supplies can be delivered.
However, the two main trade associations were at odds over the impact the 48-hour strike was having on hauliers. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) says the industrial action over pension changes will force fuel prices up and operators will struggle to pass on the rate increase. It has organised a meeting with Scottish MPs this week to highlight hauliers' problems. Phil Flanders, RHA director for
Scotland, adds: —The higher the price goes, the less they can buy on their credit terms."
However, the Freight Transport Association says that while it agrees there is a "degree of concern", the strike impact is not huge.
Gavin Scott, head of policy for Scotland, adds: "While the garden isn't full of roses, it certainly isn't full of thistles."
• The average price of diesel in the UK has broken through the Elllit barrier, excluding VAT, says the RHA.