RHA Recovery Group says "Give us a break Mr Livingstone"
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RHA says "More effort needed to reduce road freight crime"
Greater vigilance is needed from operators - and a policy from the Department for Transport on secure parking.
TruckPol's Annual Report has seen a 9.8 per cent increase in reported incidents. The 3,423 offences in 2006 with a recorded value amounting to more than £105 million represents another unwelcome high.
"Sadly, despite the focus the RHA has managed to achieve on this type of criminal activity these figures are disappointing" says RHA Chief Executive Roger King. "We are encouraged that both government and the police are now tackling crime against hauliers with renewed vigour. But all hauliers must play their part. The number of vehicles stolen with keys left in the ignition is still unacceptably high. And drivers are still too easily distracted by offenders who use a variety of ruses to get the driver out of the cab."
The RHA is particularly concerned about the rise in hi-jacks, up by 50 per cent to 129 reported to TruckPol. These tend to feature violence on the driver and so is a trend that is very worrying.
"Again, vigilance is essential. Drivers should stay in their locked cabs and phone for assistance if they detect anything even remotely suspicious," King says. "The RHA continues to support TruckPol and will go on raising the profile of freight crime as well as developing best practice solutions."
Meanwhile, the RHA has asked the Department for Transport to develop a policy for ensuring better provision of secure parkling for lorries. A recent consultation document from the Highways Agency fails to reflect the gravity of the problem facing truck operators and their drivers who struggle to find a safe place to park and are even moved on by police.
"This is a major issue and must be treated as such. The Department for Transport must take responsibility at the policy level", King says.
The Road Haulage Association - supporting the industry on which the UK depends.
Contact Kate Gibbs, RHA Communications Manager on...
Tel: 01932 838917
Fax: 01932 838916
Mob: 07979 531451
