SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is calling for more to be done to improve conditions for freight haulage businesses in North Wales.
Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport said: “I’d like to request a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Transport on what the Welsh Government is doing to tackle freight crime and improve infrastructure for freight transport in Wales.
“I recently had the privilege of meeting with RF Bellis Haulage, based on Wrexham Industrial Estate, along with representatives from the Road Haulage Association, and they explained to me the persistent problem that comes with a lack of proper infrastructure for freight here in Wales.
“The rise in cargo theft, particularly from poorly secured truck stops and rest areas, is putting real pressure on their business and businesses like them up and down Wales.
“It’s a sector that we rely on every single day for transporting those goods that we all need. Despite repeated calls from industry professionals, Wales still lacks adequate secure parking and investment on those key freight routes.
“Can I ask that we have a statement outlining how the Government plans to work with the industry, strengthen infrastructure and work with partners to reduce freight crime?”
Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip said the Cabinet Secretary will be making a statement on freight and logistics after the final meeting of the Holyhead logistics working group.
Mr Rowlands added: “I obviously welcome any discussions on this issue and hope that by raising this matter in the Senedd, on behalf of businesses in North Wales and the Road Haulage Association, it will be tackled as a priority.
“It is absolutely vital that we invest in this sector and make sure secure parking is available to reduce freight crime on our key routes in North Wales.”
