Emma Roddick MSP says fallout of Brexit is an unwelcome distraction for Scotland’s haulage industry’s journey to Net Zero.

Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has stated that Tory economics have had a detrimental impact on the road haulage industry in Scotland.

Citing fuel costs, complex Brexit paperwork, driver shortages, and cabotage and groupage issues linked to the Tories’ hard Brexit, Ms Roddick said that the industry has been fighting an uphill battle.

Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth, agreed, stating that damaging UK Government policies had posed a huge challenge to the industry, but that the Scottish Government remained committed to its transition to net zero and was continuing to make progress.

Ms Roddick said:

“Brexit, along with other damaging UK Government policies, has had a devastating impact on the road haulage industry. The last couple of years has been an uphill battle.

“Driver shortages and complex paperwork preventing companies from carrying out their day-to-day deliveries are just a few of the challenges we saw facing the industry as a result of the Tories’ disastrous Brexit.

“We are lucky that the industry was so resilient during these challenges whilst also contending with a global pandemic.

“Despite the challenges faced, at the hands of reckless UK Government economic policy, I am pleased that the Scottish Government continues to make progress in the industry’s journey to net zero here in Scotland.”