RHA chief executive Richard Burnett made the announcement today (9 September 2015) at the association’s Compliance Conference.
“We have a huge impact on the lives of everyone in Britain, but sometimes that positive contribution is overlooked,” he said.
“National Lorry Week will provide us with an opportunity to reach out to the public and politicians as never before to highlight our massive and positive contribution to daily life.”
As part of the week’s events, Burnett is hoping that hauliers across the UK will be opening their doors and inviting the public to find out how the industry keeps them supplied with all the things their lives depend upon, and hear about careers in transport.
The RHA will also be inviting high profile media figures to try their hand at the wheel and to spend a shift working with a driver.
In addition, there will be a nationwide radio campaign throughout the week.
There will also be a TV documentary featuring BTCC and RHA-sponsored racing driver Tom Ingram.
And finally, hauliers will be asked to display a ‘Love the Lorry’ sticker on their vehicles to coincide with a nationwide ‘spot the sticker’ competition, the winner of which will win a fantastic prize worth £1,000.
The RHA will be hosting a reception in Parliament for MPs and ministers to hear first-hand about the vital role the industry plays in their constituencies and also get the chance to see if they have what it takes to be an HGV driver in a driving simulator.
“The British public should be proud of its road haulage industry,” says Burnett.
“It’s an industry that works hard, is efficient and innovative.
“Through National Lorry Week, the RHA will ensure that the industry and its drivers get recognition for the essential service they provide.”