"Lorry drivers should be role models for motorists" says RHA 24 September 2007

Lorry drivers should be role models for motorists in fuel efficient and courteous driving. That’s the view of the Road Haulage Association, responding to the Commission for Integrated Transport’s report, Transport and Climate Change. Road haulage drivers are trained professionals in terms of driving techniques. With diesel by far the largest variable cost – the average articulated haulage lorry uses around £45,000-worth of fuel a year – fuel efficiency is an integral part of the way they drive. Defensive/Eco-driving by truck drivers ensures that they DO: * Read the road ahead, allowing them to respond to situations as they arise * Approach traffic lights, roundabouts, and other junctions in a manner that minimises braking and fuel use * Anticipate hazards and what other road users do ahead, to the side and to the rear. * Select the correct gear for the speed they are doing – they are aware of the “sweet spot” on the engine * Maintain tyres at the right pressure – many firms use specialist service providers They do NOT: * Race up to red lights and junctions applying the brakes at the last moment * Accelerate and brake harshly * Abuse the speed limits * Look only at the road immediately ahead of them. “Haulage companies have been promoting the principles of good driving for many years and new technology means that they are more able than ever to monitor drivers’ performance,” says RHA Director of Policy Jack Semple. “We are not claiming that every haulage driver is perfect. But most are very good and the culture of the industry is focused on safety and economy. “The industry readily integrated the principles of the Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) scheme for lorry drivers launched by the government a number of years ago; and the introduction of new additional training requirements in 2009 will emphasise these issues even more".

Transport efficiency is the route to carbon savings, not fuel duty says FTA 24 September 2007

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has responded positively to the Commission for Integrated Transport’s (CfIT) new report on carbon emissions from the transport sector. The report rightly highlights the progress made by the logistics sector to contain and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and also highlights that further potential opportunities exist. The report rejects any return to the Fuel Duty Escalator, arguing that rising world oil prices already influence road user behaviour and lock in savings that have already been made. The logistics sector continues to focus on four areas of carbon dioxide reduction: improvements to operational efficiency in order to cut vehicle kilometres through, for example reduced empty running and increased payload, an ongoing focus on driver fuel saving techniques, greater use of low carbon modes such as rail and use of fuels with a lower carbon footprint such as biofuels. Steps taken by the logistics sector complement the focus of vehicle manufacturers in improving hgv fuel efficiency whilst at the same time cutting exhaust emissions that affect air quality by 95 per cent. As a result the UK freight industry is at the forefront of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. There is ample evidence to demonstrate that total carbon dioxide produced by hgvs has been stable since 1995. This is despite the economy growing by 32 per cent over the period. For the freight industry, green measures are often the same as lean measures and next week FTA publishes a new manual for carriers and logistics buyers, Carbonfta, which provides a practical resource for individual companies to record, report and reduce their carbon dioxide emissions from transport. This will include software and procedure for recording carbon dioxide saving. James Hookham, FTA’s Managing Director – Policy and Communications said: ‘The report’s conclusion that the route to carbon savings is not through higher fuel duty is particularly welcome. FTA has long argued that escalating fuel duty robs smaller businesses of much needed cash to invest in efficiency measures. The Commission’s recognition of this simple truth goes a long way to helping achieve the efficiency savings that the report identifies’.

FREIGHT TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT SPEAKS AT SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT 24 September 2007

Freight transport operators in Scotland continue to carry out an invaluable job for industry and consumers whilst all of the time improving their efficiency and environmental performance. An ever growing choice and quantity of goods available all over Scotland had been accompanied by fuel efficiency, improved load management with reduced empty running, and the promise of meaningful reductions in carbon footprint. These comments were made at a reception in the Scottish Parliament today (12 September) by the national President of the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Andrew Haines. Mr Haines was addressing an audience of MSPs including several ministers; officials from the Scottish Government and agencies; and representatives from Scottish industry. FTA looks after more than 1,700 members in Scotland from its offices in Stirling. Andrew Haines launched FTA Transport Policies for Scotland, detailing the needs and aspirations for suppliers and customers of essential freight transport operations. The document commends the National Transport Strategy; calls for increased investment in road, rail and ports; looks for an early start to a new Forth Road Bridge; says that the problems of lifeline ferry provision for the islands must be addressed; and says that the Parliament must recognise the inevitable link between the provision of an adequate transport infrastructure and a healthy Scottish economy. Mr Haines said that the transport industry needed solutions. He said, ‘We want to keep moving goods and services in the most efficient way possible so that the economy continues to grow. But, like every other sector in the economy, freight and logistics must respond to the global challenge of cutting greenhouse gas emissions. I am delighted to be able to tell you that our members have already prevented carbon emissions from rising despite still delivering the growing economy. The next phase will actually see the beginnings of reducing emissions as a consequence of improved engine technology, fuels and overall efficiency. The industry is taking a very responsible attitude to the problems of climate change and has a record of progress that we can certainly be proud of.’