Treasury minister sets ‘carbon challenge’ for hauliers
The chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, has called on the haulage industry to make further improvements in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Speaking at the annual lunch of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) last month, Mr Alexander thanked hauliers for the “crucial work you do.”
He went on to highlight the extent of government road infrastructure spending under the coalition’s tenure – as well as various cuts and freezes to fuel duty, which he said would have saved a typical haulier £21,000 by 2015-16.
“I personally – and we as government collectively – have worked hard, and will continue to work hard, to support your sector. But in return… I’m keen to challenge hauliers on making further improvements to the industry’s performance on carbon. This isn’t an issue we should take lightly.”
Highlighting a report in March by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that claimed projected climate change in Europe would pose increased risks of floods, heat waves, droughts and wildfires, he said: “We need to make sure that here in the UK we create a green, sustainable economy that can power our countries’ future.
“At present, HGVs contribute something in the region of 20 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions from UK domestic transport. And that figure has been rising as other forms of transport have become more efficient.
“I know that costs and technical challenges mean that electricity may be unable to replace diesel for large HGVs anytime in the foreseeable future. But that makes measures to further improve and exploit fuel efficiency all the more important.
“Yes, efficiency measures have upfront costs, but typically, efficiency gains can repay on that investment in under 18 months.”
Mr Alexander said the government was supporting industry through its funding of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership accreditation scheme, and by participating in the Low Emission HGV Task Force. Driver training in the area of fuel efficiency, and vehicle performance improvements, were among the topics he would be discussing with the RHA soon, he said.
One haulage firm which welcomed Mr Alexander’s challenge was Chester-based Farrall’s Transport, a founding member and shareholder of Palletforce, which runs a 40-strong fleet of tractor units and 60 trailers across the mainland.
Managing director Mike Farrall said: “Logistics companies, large and small, can take important steps to reduce their carbon consumption and at the same time improve their competitive position.
“Decisions on vehicle investment, fleet management technology and driver training all play a vital part in creating a cohesive strategy to reduce fuel consumption – lowering the environmental impact of road transport in the UK, reducing waste and boosting productivity.”
The company says it has invested £1.5m over the last eighteen months to help grow the business, while also improving its environmental performance and fuel efficiency.
“All 13 new vehicles – Volvo FM, FH and FL models – are Euro 5 regulations compliant, which gives us an estimated 16-18 per cent fuel saving,” said Mr Farrall.
“In addition, we have invested in Dynafleet, Volvo Truck’s online transport information system, which has made a massive difference to our carbon consumption – dramatically reducing our fuel bill.
“The system has helped us boost our fleet average fuel consumption from 8.6 to 9.6 mpg, giving us a £100,000 a year saving. As fuel is our biggest bill after wages, amounting to over £1 million a year, this represents a substantial saving.”
The company has also introduced a driver performance bonus incentive scheme, to help generate further fuel savings.
“There are compelling reasons for logistics businesses to take up the Treasury secretary’s challenge. We believe we’re well ahead of the curve on meeting our commitment to environmental improvement, reducing fuel consumption and driving business performance,” he concluded.
