London’s Connaught Rooms was the venue for this year’s RHA Annual Lunch where, on 2nd October, members and their guests were pleased to receive a verbal ‘pat on the back’ from Peter Hendy CBE, Commissioner of Transport for London.
“The freight industry, operators and businesses planned their operations and adapted, keeping London stocked and serviced. On behalf of Boris and Transport for London, thank you. TfL did a bit but together we did a lot more.
“The Games have shown that London – its transport system, businesses and freight operators – can deliver. London has proved it can plan, build and operate a transport network able to support the most challenging logistical exercise any city can undertake.
“We will continue to work together - with you and other partners to ensure a true legacy for freight. We proved that the public and regulatory authorities can work together with the RHA and industry to help your businesses. We proved your regulators, the Traffic Commissioners and TfL, can act in the freight and logistics industry’s interests. And congratulations to the RHA for co-operation and for advancing their members interests so ably.
“TfL recognise the vital function played by freight activity and that the management of road traffic needs to reflect this in the future. As during the Games, this will need to be a fully co-ordinated approach by the authorities and with assistance from the freight industry, their suppliers and their customers.
“As Seb said “When the time came – Britain did it right” and for that, as your National Chairman, Richard Fry said, you didn’t get medals – but you all deserve one”.
RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning concluded: “We know we did a good job; but it makes all the difference when the good job is acknowledged”.