Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling's speech at the Road Haulage Association annual lunch

Thank you for that welcome.
And thanks to Andrew, Richard and the Road Haulage Association for inviting me to speak today.
This week I’m celebrating something of an achievement in modern politics….
Two years in the same ministerial job.
Two hugely rewarding years….
During which it’s been a privilege to work with leaders from across the transport industry.
But while major schemes like HS2 and Heathrow’s 3rd runway have tended to dominate the headlines….
No other transport sector plays a more important role in binding together our economy….
And keeping business on the move….
Than road haulage and logistics.
Efficient distribution is vital for making the rest of our economy successful….
Reducing costs….
Improving productivity….
And supporting the supply chain.
So despite operating in a highly competitive market, with often modest margins….
Let me assure you that the contribution you make to Britain’s prosperity is hugely appreciated within government.

Brexit

And it is because of that contribution….
And the international nature of many of your businesses….
That securing the right deal for haulage remains one of our biggest Brexit objectives.
We want a deal that maintains and develops your ability to operate internationally.
With no unnecessary restrictions on operators or trade. 
And I remain confident that we will achieve that.
The overwhelming majority of road freight between the UK and EU is carried by EU hauliers….
And this only underlines the importance of reaching a sensible agreement with reciprocal arrangements. 
But I recognise that industry needs clarity to plan ahead. 
We know just how important it is that trade continues to move smoothly following Brexit.
The Haulage Bill is a significant part of this. 
It will allow us to issue permits whatever the outcome, to keep haulage moving. 
In addition, the trailer registration measures will address the costly disruption that many operators have experienced using unaccompanied trailers….
And provide clarity on what will happen after our exit.
I am grateful for the RHA’s response to the consultation.
Your input has been invaluable in making sure that future arrangements work for the industry.
The Department is also addressing the issue of licensing and qualifications. 
Ratifying the 1968 Convention offers absolute certainty that holders of UK Driving Licences can continue to drive across Europe after we leave the EU, whatever the result of negotiations. 
Professional driver qualifications are another pressing issue on which the industry needs transparency.
So I can confirm today that the Government will seek to maintain the standards of the existing CPC scheme. 
No one wants a return to the days of excessive paperwork or customs delays at borders.
That is why we’ve made clear that we won’t be introducing new border checks for transport.
Of course there’s inevitable uncertainty which is inherent in the negotiation process.
But we are doing everything we can to ensure our house is in order….
To take the necessary steps to achieve the agreement we want….
And to prepare contingencies for a range of possible outcomes.
I am absolutely confident we will reach a good deal for your businesses….
A deal that is also in the interests of everyone involved in the negotiations.

Roads 

Although Brexit is our priority at the moment…. 
We continue to roll out our road investment programme….
The biggest for a generation.
Delivering schemes like the Lower Thames Crossing….
The A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon enhancement….
And expanding capacity on smart motorways.
We have announced plans to dual the A66 trans-pennine route….
Build the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway….
And improve the north-west section of the M60 around Manchester.
I know you’re also concerned about parking for trucks on the road network….
Something I know that’s lacking in many parts of the country.
While planning decisions for parking are devolved, the Government is helping where we can.
Highways England is currently identifying possible sites which could be developed into lorry parks.
And it has proposed allocating money in the next Road Investment Strategy to develop better roadside facilities.
This was warmly received in our consultation on Highways England’s proposals, and we expect to announce our formal response shortly.
We want to encourage overnight parking in safe and secure sites, with essential welfare facilities. 
Any new enforcement measures must take into account the availability of local alternatives.
They must not be a revenue-raising exercise for local authorities.
And they should not prevent drivers from using laybys to take short statutory breaks.
Highways England is also working to provide long-term help for hauliers during times of disruption on the network….
Such as that seen on the M20 when Operation Stack has been in force. 
A consultation on this issue offering a range of options is taking place - and I hope you’ll get involved.
In the meantime, we have developed an improved solution for the M20, which we want implemented as soon as possible.

Low emission zones

I’d also like to touch briefly on two other crucial challenges for the industry….
Reducing harmful emissions and attracting a skilled workforce.
In January, we set out our vision to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than when we inherited it. 
But that means tackling nitrogen dioxide concentrations around roads, which are the only statutory air quality limit the UK is currently failing to meet. 
I know that many of you have concerns around charging Clean Air Zones, and the RHA has been working hard to represent the industry’s interests. 
While there is no leeway in our legal obligations, we’ve been clear that local authorities should explore options before they impose charging. 
We have already awarded them £40 million for measures which could help avoid charging.
And we have made a £220 million Clean Air Fund available to help them reduce the impact on businesses.

Skills and driver shortage

But no challenge is greater than recruiting and training the future workforce.
The RHA deserves particular credit here for creating the new Trailblazer Apprenticeship standards. 
This is a fundamental step in addressing driver shortage. 
I would like to congratulate Colin Snape and the Trailblazer team.
This work should produce a new generation of apprentices….
While helping the logistics sector make the most of the opportunities provided through the apprenticeship levy. 
We are aware that numbers so far have not been as high as hoped - but we expect this to improve rapidly. 
And we remain ready to help. 
Indeed, DfT officials – as well as those from Justice, Defence, and Work and Pensions – are already working with you to help attract more candidates.
The industry is aware that it needs open up careers to a wider demographic. 
I recently spoke at the Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards and I was hugely impressed with the women who received recognition. 
But women still make up less than 10 per cent of the total workforce and only 1 percent of drivers. 
That needs to change.
It means going back to basics.
Re-examining how you recruit.
How you structure the working day.
And how you improve the working environment. 
Working patterns have changed in many industries  because they do not fit with modern family responsibilities. 
Companies recognise that if they are to retain talent, employees need flexibility to juggle their responsibilities at work and at home.
So it is great to see the RHA take a lead in addressing diversity. 
I would like to congratulate Lesley O’Brien for her nomination for an Everywoman award. 
The work of Lesley and her team is vital to the industry’s continued growth towards a more representative workforce.  
So I look forward to seeing further progress.
And it’s on that note of optimism and opportunity that I’d like to sign off today.
Of all the things I hope to achieve over the next year….
High among them is returning here to the RHA Annual Lunch next July….
With three years as Transport Secretary under my belt….
To celebrate a Brexit deal that meets all the priorities of this vital industry….
So you and your businesses can flourish in the future.
Thank you.

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