Transport Secretary Visits CV Show
Organisers of the 2013 Commercial Vehicle Show were delighted to host a roundtable discussion today (9 April) with the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP.
From the start, the Minister made it clear that he was attending the meeting to listen to the industry and that he would not be able to make any firm promises. However, throughout the hour-long session, it was clear that he was taking a keen interest in the comments and suggestions that were made.
Attended by members from each of the bodies representing the Show Partnership, the range of issues raised was wide; covering areas such as the use of alternative fuels, capital allowances, creating incentives for haulage companies to expand their operations and the usual dilemma of how to encourage young people into the industry. Discussions also included reducing corporation tax, the image of the workforce and, of course, the issue of road safety, particularly in relation to other road users.
The final word goes to the Minister himself, “It’s been fantastic to come here to the Commercial Vehicle Show and see some of the cutting edge technology at work in today’s logistics industry.
“It’s also given me the opportunity to hear direct from operators, manufacturers and engineers, and that is invaluable, given the huge importance of haulage and logistics to the nation’s economy.”
The Commercial Vehicle Show is owned by the CV Show LLP comprising the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and IRTE Services Ltd, the trading company of the SOE (Society of Operations Engineers).