Guidance & Support

Lorry drivers across the UK are urging the need for more secure truck stops to combat organised crime gangs that target their cargo. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has called on the government to establish a specific freight crime offense and create a national truck parking security standard to address the growing issue of thefts. The scale of the problem is significant, with thousands of lorry crimes reported annually, leading to substantial financial losses and affecting the wellbeing of drivers.

Organised crime gangs are highly sophisticated, understanding supply chains, surveillance, and policing, according to the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS). These criminals often strike at motorway service stations and truck stops on major routes, targeting valuable loads like alcohol, tobacco, and electronics. The stolen goods are then sold through various channels, including online platforms and backstreet markets, further complicating efforts to trace and recover the items.

The impact of these crimes extends beyond the immediate loss of cargo. Even attempted thefts result in costly repairs and rejected goods, contributing to increased costs that ultimately burden consumers. Some hauliers report that the threat of theft has led to significant stress among drivers, with some even leaving the profession due to the fear and anxiety caused by these incidents.

To address this issue, there is a growing call for more secure parking facilities for lorries. The British Parking Association (BPA) introduced the Park Mark Freight scheme to assess and certify truck stops with strong security measures, but only a small number of sites have met the required standards. The need for improved security at truck stops is evident, with industry stakeholders urging the government to prioritise the safety and welfare of lorry drivers.

HMRC has launched a new campaign, "Tax avoidance: don’t get caught out," aimed at contractors. The campaign highlights how to identify tax avoidance schemes, warns of the risks, and explains how to report suspicious activity to HMRC. Tax avoidance occurs when individuals manipulate tax rules to pay less than they owe, but those who participate in these schemes ultimately have to pay the full tax amount, along with interest and potential penalties.

HMRC's goal is to prevent people from getting involved in these schemes and assist those who suspect they may already be entangled. By partnering with various organizations, HMRC is providing contractors with resources to better understand the dangers of tax avoidance schemes and how to avoid them.

Under UK law, everyone is responsible for paying the correct amount of tax, even if they have hired someone else to manage their tax affairs or received incorrect advice. Contractors working through agencies or umbrella companies are particularly encouraged to review their pay arrangements to avoid unexpected tax bills.

The campaign features new guidance and an interactive risk checker, helping workers determine whether their contracts could involve tax avoidance. The HMRC's Spotlights series offers examples of these schemes, including Spotlight 60, published in August 2022, which warns specifically about non-compliant umbrella companies and the warning signs to watch for.

The UK government has announced over £100 million in funding for five cutting-edge research and development projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of aviation. The funding, provided through the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme by the Department for Business and Trade, will support advancements in sustainable aviation technology, including zero-emission hydrogen flight and innovative propulsion systems.

The five projects receiving this funding are led by GKN Aerospace, Queen's University, Rolls-Royce, Short Brothers, and ZeroAvia. These initiatives are set to pioneer new technologies that could significantly reduce aviation's carbon footprint and contribute to the sector's journey toward net-zero emissions.

The aviation industry is known for its challenges in decarbonisation, and these investments in green technology are seen as a vital step in reducing the reliance on carbon offsetting and carbon capture methods, which are expected to play a role in meeting the UK's 2050 net-zero target.

This funding comes alongside the UK government’s commitment to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), highlighted by the new SAF (Revenue Support Mechanism) Bill. The investment underscores the government's dedication to accelerating the transition to a more sustainable aviation sector, positioning the UK as a leader in the development and adoption of environmentally friendly aerospace technologies.

Leading MPs and safety organizations are urging the government to implement new driving licence regulations to reduce accidents and fatalities on the roads. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill, presented in Parliament, proposes a graduated driving licence system with cross-party support.

Under the proposed rules, newly qualified drivers would face restrictions during the first six months after passing their test. These measures aim to enhance safety for inexperienced drivers and include a zero-alcohol policy, limits on the number of passengers, and restrictions on nighttime driving.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill, emphasised that the changes are designed to improve road safety without limiting young people's opportunities. She cited evidence that new drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents during their initial months of driving. Similar schemes in other countries, such as New Zealand, have successfully reduced collisions among young drivers.

The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the AA, RAC, and charities like Project EDWARD. RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis highlighted the urgent need for these changes, noting that young drivers, particularly men, are disproportionately involved in severe road accidents. The second reading of the bill is scheduled for May 17, with advocates hopeful it will pass and help save lives.

During a five-day operation in Yorkshire, officers used an unmarked HGV cab provided by National Highways to catch 240 drivers engaging in dangerous behaviour on the motorway. The operation, conducted from July 14th to July 19th, focused on the M1, M18, and A1 routes. The elevated vantage point of the HGV cab allowed officers to observe drivers in both large vehicles and cars.

Among those stopped, 45 drivers were caught using mobile phones, 74 were not wearing seatbelts, 10 were not in proper control of their vehicles, and 12 were driving without due care and attention. Notable incidents included a man trimming his facial hair with tinsnips and a driver transporting livestock with a bird loose in the trailer.

Additionally, 31 drivers were penalised for stopping on the hard shoulder, two for speeding, and three for driving through a red X. Of the vehicles involved, 176 were HGVs, 41 were LGVs, and 57 were cars.

Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings emphasised the importance of road safety, noting that this operation followed another similar effort in May. He highlighted the "Fatal 4" offenses - using a mobile phone, driving under the influence, speeding, and failing to wear a seatbelt - as leading causes of fatal and serious accidents. Collings urged drivers to take responsibility for their actions, stressing that the consequences of reckless driving could lead to severe legal repercussions.

The coalition behind the Zero Emission Van Plan has urged the new Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, to take action to boost electric van usage in the UK. The coalition, including UK van manufacturer Stellantis and FN200, representing the largest fleet operators, emphasised the need to implement the Zero Emission Van Plan.

The plan advocates for enhanced charging infrastructure, removal of regulatory obstacles, and increased financial support. This appeal follows the Climate Change Committee's report highlighting that electric van sales are significantly off track, despite one in ten workers using such vehicles. Recent SMMT (The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders) data reveals that electric vans account for less than 5% of registrations in 2024.

The coalition has invited Haigh to visit a depot with electric vans to understand the challenges in achieving widespread adoption. Launched earlier this year, the Zero Emission Van Plan is a collaborative effort by BVRLA, Logistics UK, Recharge UK, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), and The EV Café. A spokesperson for the plan stated, "Electric van registrations have stalled from an already low starting point. The ZEV mandate aims to boost supply, but demand remains low. Van operators face numerous challenges, including vehicle quality, performance, cost, and charging infrastructure."

The coalition calls for increased support, improved charging facilities, and regulatory reforms to make electric vans a viable option for millions of drivers. They urge the new government to take decisive action to support the transition.

Experts are urging the UK to make speed limiters mandatory on all vehicles to enhance road safety. This call coincides with the EU's implementation of the Vehicle General Safety Regulation, which took effect on July 6, 2022. This regulation mandates new safety features in all EU vehicles, including advanced emergency braking and intelligent speed assistance, but these measures are not yet mandatory in the UK.

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) is researching the potential impacts of adopting these rules, with an update expected soon. The DfT is also a member of the European New Car Assessment Programme, which encourages the use of many technologies included in the EU's safety regulation.

Introducing speed limiters could prevent over 1,700 deaths and 15,000 serious injuries in the next 16 years. AXA UK, along with the road safety charity Brake and other industry groups, is pressing the government to adopt these measures. Alain Zweibrucker, Retail CEO at AXA UK, emphasised that road crashes claim thousands of lives annually in the UK and that the new safety regulations could significantly improve safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Intelligent speed assistance technology, which uses GPS and traffic sign data to warn drivers when they exceed speed limits, is one such feature that can automatically slow down a vehicle to ensure compliance with speed limits. The push for mandatory speed limiters is seen as a straightforward and effective way to improve road safety across the UK.

Following Labour's election victory, Logistics UK highlighted the sector’s potential to drive economic growth. As one of the UK’s largest sectors, logistics offers skilled jobs and helps remove barriers to opportunity.

David Wells OBE, Logistics UK’s Chief Executive, emphasised the sector’s importance: “Logistics supports households, businesses, and public services daily, employing 8% of the UK workforce. It is well-positioned to aid the new government in revitalising the economy, provided its needs are incorporated into the industrial strategy.”

Theres been calls for new administration to support the sector and ensure an efficient, cost-effective logistic structure - crucial for economical growth. Logistics UK is advocating for collaboration on infrastructure, decarbonisation, skills, innovation, and trade policies, aiming to boost the economy by up to £8 billion annually.

Wells underscored the need for clean, green growth and the creation of engaging roles to attract the next generation of logistics talent. Logistics UK urges the government to form a public-private partnership with the industry, ensuring logistics businesses are considered in all economic decisions. A dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain is recommended to integrate the sector's needs into government plans, enabling logistics to support the country's return to growth.

Keir Starmer proclaimed the "sunlight of hope" is shining again in Britain following Labour's resounding election win, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. Starmer is set to become prime minister after Rishi Sunak conceded, with Labour expected to secure over 410 seats compared to the Conservatives' 115.

Starmer, speaking at Royal Festival Hall in London, expressed relief and optimism, emphasizing a renewed opportunity for the country. The Conservatives faced their worst election performance, with key figures like Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Grant Shapps losing their seats. Labour also made significant gains in Scotland and from the SNP, while the Liberal Democrats increased their seats to 70.

Reform UK saw a rise, winning at least four seats, with Nigel Farage becoming an MP. The Greens also won four seats. Notably, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn won in Islington North as an independent, and pro-Palestine independents had surprising victories.

Sunak acknowledged the defeat, emphasising the peaceful transfer of power. Labour's triumph is seen as a beacon of hope for progressive movements globally. The party reclaimed significant regions from the Conservatives, marking a major turnaround since Starmer took leadership. Labour is poised to implement substantial changes, with a focus on workers' rights, energy generation, and improved trading relations, while addressing critical issues like the NHS and prison system.

London's roads have been ranked the most congested in Europe for the third consecutive year, with drivers spending an average of 99 hours in traffic in 2023, up from 97 hours in the previous year. This ranking, reported by traffic data supplier Inrix, places London behind only New York and Mexico City globally, excluding China and India.

It’s been well noted that traffic congestion has returned to pre-Covid travel levels, with the UK and Europe experiencing smaller increases in congestion compared to other regions. Despite London's high congestion, its drop to third globally indicates that other major cities have returned to pre-pandemic activity levels also - highlighting that increased congestion can signify strong economic activity.

Inrix data revealed a 3% rise in time lost to traffic compared to pre-Covid levels. On average, UK drivers spent 61 hours in traffic last year, up from 57 hours in 2022. Other heavily congested UK cities include Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and Wigan.

An RAC spokesperson, emphasised the negative impact of congestion, noting wasted time and fuel, and poor air quality. Cities have been urged to find solutions. While some measures like park-and-ride schemes can be costly, others, such as retiming traffic lights, are inexpensive and can improve traffic flow.