Welsh Conservatives bring forward Senedd motion to support the road freight industry
Road freight and the logistic industry play a vital role in supporting the Welsh economy by ensuring the goods that we all rely on are transported. But not only do they do so much in supporting the Welsh economy, they are the livelihoods of many people up and down Wales.
Despite road freight being so important, the Welsh Government hasn’t had a specific road freight transport strategy since 2008. This has resulted in a lack of safe and secure wellbeing centres for lorry and coach drivers across Wales, and a lack of charging and refuelling points for electric or hydrogen HGVs and coaches.
In the Senedd next Wednesday (01/12/23), the Welsh Conservatives are bringing forward a Senedd motion to mark the vital contribution that road freight and the logistics industry plays in supporting the Welsh economy, whilst calling on the Welsh Government to develop and publish a specific road freight transport strategy to provide support for lorry and coach drivers across Wales.
Commenting ahead of the debate, Welsh Conservative Transport Minister, Natasha Asghar MS said:
“Road freight and the logistics industry play a crucial role in supporting the Welsh economy, but regretfully, the Labour Government hasn’t had a specific road freight transport strategy since 2008.
“I’m delighted that the Welsh Conservatives will be holding a Senedd debate to mark the importance of road freight and the logistics industry next week, whilst calling on the Labour Government to develop and publish a specific road freight transport strategy to better support lorry and coach drivers.”
Also commenting, Wales Policy Director of the Road Haulage Association, Martin Reid said:
“We are delighted that the Senedd will be debating a motion to support the road freight industry. Lorry drivers keep us supplied with the goods we consume every day. It is vital they have places to rest, eat, shower and use the toilet while out on the road.
“We look forward to supporting this Motion as a starting point for long-term strategic planning for the sector and we are committed to working with Senedd members of all parties and the Welsh Government on this vitally important issue.”
The motion which will be debated on Wednesday reads:
To propose that the Senedd:
Recognises the role that road freight and the logistics industry play in supporting the Welsh economy;
Regrets that the Welsh Government hasn’t had a specific road freight transport strategy since 2008;
Calls on the Welsh Government to develop and publish a specific road freight transport strategy which includes:
safe and secure wellbeing centres for lorry and coach drivers across Wales;
an extensive network of charging and refuelling points for electric or hydrogen HGVs and coaches; and
changes to the planning system in Wales to ensure that road freight infrastructure can be delivered as efficiently as possible.
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Image https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-50822374
