Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about road haulage and the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
I appreciate your concerns and I recognise that the present situation is causing real difficulties for the road haulage sector. I also understand that the sector has a vital role to play in the national effort to combat the spread of the disease.
As such, a range of measures have been put in place to support road haulage. These have included relaxations to drivers’ hours rules (as outlined in Government guidance), amending the qualification requirements for the Driver CPC, and making it easier for Group 2 drivers who are fit to drive to renew their licences. I know that military drivers will be allowed to drive in civilian situations during the period outlined above too.
Hauliers who are struggling due to the impact of COVID-19 should also explore the support made available by the Government, for example the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the Coronavirus Future Fund, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and more. Businesses can also benefit from deferral of VAT payments and business rates relief. The full range of support can be viewed at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-busines…
I know that the Government and the RHA have been in regular contact about the issues COVID-19 is causing for road hauliers. I will also follow the industry’s situation closely going forward.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Kind regards, Alister