Channel 4 Dispatches – RHA response
2 min read
In response to the Channel 4 programme ‘Dispatches – Britain’s Diesel Scandal’, the Road Haulage Association unreservedly condemns any attempts by road haulage firms to break the law or to cheat emissions standards.
Commenting, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “There is growing evidence from our members that technical problems have arisen concerning the emission equipment on some HGVs. This has led to frustration for some haulage firms who have resorted to inappropriate solutions, which are, of course, wrong.
"We welcome the news that the Department for Transport is to commission a research project to review in-service emissions testing and equipment but this has now become a time critical issue.
“We are calling for an urgent, collaborative investigation by the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency, the Department for Transport and the Traffic Commissioners to establish exactly which vehicles are being modified, and why.
"As soon as the information becomes available we can begin to effectively address the problem. In addition, this will help and support those operators who are having difficulty with the emission systems of some lorries.
“It’s a regrettable fact that all business sectors will have rogue traders but these are in the minority and should not be regarded as representative of the vast majority of each individual businesses.
“The RHA’s byword is ‘professional’. It represents the operators of approximately 250,000 HGVs – over half the total number of UK registered trucks. Such is the professionalism of this industry that it is now responsible for the movement of 90% of the UK economy.”
Concluding, Richard Burnett said: “As one of the UK’s most heavily regulated industries, hauliers simply cannot afford to take any chances that may put lives or their livelihoods at risk."
