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Transport Minister says government will work with fleet sector to tackle big issues

Minister of State for Transport John Hayes has recognised the importance of the BVRLA and said that the Government will work with the fleet and leasing sector to tackle the big issues.

hayes

Minister of State for Transport, John Hayes, addresses delegates.

Speaking at the BVRLA’s annual Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons, Hayes showed a keen understanding and acceptance of the BVRLA’s work, saying: “I know this organisation is important. It is important because you purchase an immense number of new vehicles – well over half of all new vehicles sold and registered each year.

“You show leadership and purchase low emission vehicles for your combined fleet of more than 4.5 million vehicles and have a significant knock-on effect, stimulating and sparking innovation and making a real difference in helping cut emissions.”

He also responded to the association’s calls for the Government to step up and deliver a framework for a nationwide network of low emission zones to improve air quality.

He commented: “In the work we do, in particular cities on emissions in their own zones, we need to take into account the particular needs of that locality, but not at the expense of a policy that is nationally consistent. It is an important balance to strike, and I’m mindful of what you said about it today.

“I will go back as a result of those further overtures that you have made to check again whether we’ve got that right.”

Hayes also addressed members in response to concerns over Brexit, saying: “I think there are significant opportunities and what we have to do is define what those opportunities are and work with businesses like yours and organisations like the BVRLA to take advantage of those.”

He added: “It is vitally important, with the regulatory environment, that we’re clear about the direction of travel, we’re clear about maintaining the certainties necessary for you to make your medium and long-term business plans. I understand the point you made and I will feed that back into my department and certainty take full account of it.”

Hayes also championed motorists’ rights, saying: “I am strongly in favour of the opportunity provided by people’s ownership of vehicles and acquisition of vehicles. I believe in people having the ability to drive a van, hire a car, use a vehicle for their own personal economic use or for their own recreational use. Let us make a bold and proud case for the joy of driving and not be slightly shame faced about it.”

Hayes was joined by fellow Transport Minister Andrew Jones, more than 75 BVRLA members from 50 companies and numerous other MPs at the event, which took place on Wednesday evening in the Churchill room at the House of Commons.

Early next year, the BVRLA will place detailed policy papers with Government Ministers, senior departmental advisors and other key stakeholders. These will form the basis for further meetings between the BVRLA and Government officials throughout 2017.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “It is fantastic to hear a senior figure at the Department for Transport understand what our sector does and what we do for our members. We look forward to working with Mr Hayes again, as together we can reduce congestion, emissions and accidents by promoting the take-up of new, safe and sustainable transport.”

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.