Bell tells road transport sector ‘join up, join in’

The Senior Traffic Commissioner has encouraged road transport professionals to get more involved with professional organisations and create an industry to be proud of.

Beverley Bell made the comments at the IRTE Conference [11 September] which saw a line-up of expert speakers discuss the key issues facing today’s road transport industry.

The day’s main focus was on cost-effective fleet management and operations, and Bell was joined by a diverse range of industry experts who shared their knowledge and best practice with the 200 delegates present.

Bell’s speech called for a re-invigorated road transport sector, saying: “We need young blood in order for the industry to thrive.” She went on to highlight the importance of safety and compliance – themes that were returned to again and again throughout the day – and encouraged transport professionals to get more involved in shaping the future of their sector through professional organisations, saying: “Join up, join in and let's professionalise and make this an industry we can be proud of.”

Peter Walsh, Chief Executive of IRTE’s umbrella organisation SOE, welcomed Bell’s remarks, saying: “Being a member of a professional organisation gives you a voice within your industry. Members have the opportunity to shape and encourage best practice, and influence policy and legislation. IRTE offers its members an outlet to drive the road transport sector forward and, ultimately, shape the future of their industry.”

Other topics covered on the day included return on investment in irtec licensing, the continuing implications of Euro 6 regulations, transport managers' accountability in legal matters, hybrid and electric vehicles, and fuel-reducing aids.

Dee McCurry
Editorial & PR Coordinator
020 7630 2150
dee.mccurry@soe.org.uk

IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers)

IRTE has been recognised as an impartial voice of the industry since 1947. A Professional Sector of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers), IRTE members come from a wide variety of road transport-related roles. The IRTE Conference is IRTE’s annual event which seeks to address the most pressing issues of the day, and open a discussion for the industry. IRTE pioneered the irtec Licensing Scheme for road transport technicians and audits passenger carrying and commercial vehicle workshops under IRTE Workshop Accreditation. Through SOE, IRTE members can access paths to registration at Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) levels. Further details are available from www.soe.org.uk.