Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop recently graced the 80th Anniversary celebration of the Road Haulage Association, held at the Scottish Parliament in her capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Transport. The event marked a significant milestone for the association, based in Bathgate, as it commemorated eight decades of serving as the UK’s only trade association exclusively dedicated to road haulage.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) plays a crucial role in the haulage industry by providing a range of services such as campaigning, advisory support, training, information, and essential business services for its members. Their offerings encompass audits, risk assessments, and assistance with contracts of employment within the UK haulage sector.
Expressing her thoughts on the occasion, Fiona Hyslop stated, “The RHA, located in Bathgate within my constituency, has been a cornerstone of one of our economy’s most crucial industries for the past 80 years. They are instrumental in ensuring our shelves remain stocked, goods reach the market, and communities stay connected.” She commended the association for its unwavering support to its members, adapting to industry changes and advocating for a thriving sector.
In the face of the climate crisis, Hyslop highlighted the significant role the road haulage sector plays in achieving Scotland’s goal of becoming a net-zero nation by 2045. She acknowledged the RHA’s influence in shaping Scotland’s HGV Decarbonisation Pathway and announced the inclusion of funding in the Scottish Government’s draft budget to explore financial mechanisms for HGV decarbonisation.
Encouraging industry stakeholders to engage with the upcoming consultation on the Scottish Government’s Draft Transport Just Transition Plan, Hyslop emphasised the importance of considering the transitional impacts on individuals, communities, workers, and businesses within the sector.
In conclusion, Fiona Hyslop’s participation in the Road Haulage Association’s 80th Anniversary celebration underscores the vital contributions of the association and the road haulage industry to Scotland’s economy and future sustainability initiatives.