The RHA’s statement comes on the back of a report from the Local Government Association – the body representing councils in England and Wales – which claims that heavier lorries are contributing to crumbling road surfaces and an increase in pot-holes.
“Many of our worst roads have little or no HGV traffic, while many of the best are used by HGVs all the time,” says Richard Burnett, RHA chief executive.
“Local authorities have failed to maintain their infrastructure. Maintain roads properly and repair them after the installation of pipes and cables, and there will be little problem with pot-holes. Failure to do so will see problems multiply, along with the cost of repair and associated congestion.”
Burnett points to the fact that there are better roads and higher numbers of HGVs in Europe – notably more 60-tonners.
“Road hauliers move 85% of the UK economy, delivering food, clothing, houses and jobs. The roads are their main place of work and the industry is doing its job. We expect infrastructure providers, working with central government, to get their act together and do theirs.”