National Lorry Week to return in September

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) used the Commercial Vehicle Show last month to publicly launch plans for National Lorry Week 2016.

This year the event will run from 19-24 September, following the success of last year’s inaugural National Lorry Week.

RHA national chairman Jim French said that the theme of the 2016 event, which will aim to raise awareness of the important role played by the haulage sector in everyday life, would be “The Next Generation”.

“We want to improve the reputation of road haulage and logistics operators in the UK and we want to involve as many RHA members as possible,” said French.

“By working together we can improve the reputation of the industry and by doing so, attract the front line logistics workforce of the future.

“Following on from the 2015 event, we will support RHA members who want to run their own events at their own locations, with event resources and promotional activity, through local press and media.”

RHA says the highlight of the 2016 National Lorry Week will be an industry day at Bruntingthorpe proving ground, Leicestershire, on 24 September, which will aim to bring together truck operators, industry suppliers and the public.

Among the attractions at the airfield will be the opportunity for members of the public to get behind the wheel of an HGV in a controlled environment – as well as live HGV safety demonstrations, showcasing some of the latest technology fitments.

Local logistics operators will have an opportunity to promote their operations as well as career opportunities, while free workshop sessions for drivers and hauliers will cover topics such as vehicle stability and compliance.

A parliamentary event, a national competition for school and college pupils, and a programme of ‘Think Logistics’ presentations, are also in the works.