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Traffic commissioner tells hauliers to join up and join in

Senior Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell wants road transport people to get more involved with their professional organisations and earn the sector better credentials and better PR.
Speaking at the IRTE Conference (11 September 2013), attended by more than 200 senior industry delegates, Bell said: "Join up, join in and let's professionalise and make this an industry we can be proud of." She also called for a re-invigorated road transport sector. "We need young blood for the industry to thrive," she urged, adding that safety and compliance are critical to the health, efficiency, prosperity and PR of the transport sector. Peter Walsh, chief executive of IRTE's umbrella organisation SOE, welcomed Bell's remarks, saying: "Being a member of a professional organisation gives you a voice within your industry. "Members have the opportunity to shape and encourage best practice, and influence policy and legislation. IRTE offers its members an outlet to drive the road transport sector forward and, ultimately, shape the future of their industry." With the IRTE Conference having a clear focus on cost-effective fleet management and operations, Bell was joined by an impressive line-up of industry speakers, debating key issues and technologies. Other topics covered on the day included: operators' new return on investment through adopting the revitalised irtec technician licensing scheme; the real-world implications of Euro 6 emissions regulations, now that Euro 6 trucks are available from all the major OEMs; transport managers' real responsibilities for all 'O' licensed operations; hybrid and electric vehicles; and how to choose the best fuel-reducing aids for your business.

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