The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is calling on the Mayor of London to appoint a Mayoral Logistics Commissioner to support transport businesses operating in the capital. The association argues that the role would improve collaboration between the commercial vehicle sector, London’s businesses, and local authorities.

The proposal is a key recommendation in the RHA’s Supplying Our Cities: The London Logistics Report, published today. The report aims to give operators a stronger voice in policymaking, ensure the needs of lorries and coaches are considered in local policies, and review the suitability of existing regulations.

The call follows an RHA survey in which 95% of hauliers said they did not enjoy working in London or feel valued when operating in the capital.

Richard Smith, RHA managing director, said: “The commercial vehicle sector is a critical economic enabler so we need to ensure operators are fully supported to move people and goods into the capital as smoothly as possible.

“Transport businesses and drivers overwhelmingly tell us that they don’t feel welcome operating in London so we need to change that equation. Improved collaboration between decision-makers and our sector can help the Mayor successfully deliver his London Growth Plan priorities on housing and infrastructure.”