Road freight and the logistics industry play a crucial role in supporting the Welsh economy, but regretfully, successive Welsh Governments haven’t produced a specific road freight transport strategy since 2008, said Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister, Natasha Asghar MS, ahead of a motion it has tabled in the Senedd tomorrow.
“This has resulted in a lack of secure lorry parking spaces, directly affecting safety of lorry and coach drivers in Wales, whilst the lack of charging and refuelling points for electric or hydrogen HGVs and coaches continues to cause difficulties.
“That’s why the Welsh Conservatives are holding a debate on the road freight industry in the Senedd tomorrow, and are calling on the Welsh Government to publish a specific road freight transport strategy to support this crucial industry.”
Also commenting, Wales Policy Director of the Road Haulage Association, Martin Reid added, “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 proposes that the Senedd:
- Recognises the role that road freight and the logistics industry plays 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.
