The Managing Director of a leading company which provides world-class logistics and supply chain solutions has lashed out at the climate change group responsible for causing widespread disruption to drivers after supporters of Just Stop Oil scaled the masts of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at the Dartford Crossing.
Mike Parr of PML, which specialises in the transfer of perishable goods, called the actions of those protesting in the name of Just Stop Oil, a coalition of groups working together to campaign for the cessation of new fossil fuel licensing and production, irresponsible, irrational, and incredibly dangerous.
On day two of bringing the M25 to a standstill resulting in serious delays (of around three hours), and up to eight miles of congestion in both directions yesterday and six today, lorries such as those operated by PML, carrying temperature sensitive food items were forced to either sit tight or seek an alternative route.
Parr says:
“The ramifications of this senseless behaviour are massive. Our drivers are being put under considerable stress, knowing that the cargo they are carrying is time critical since every hour wasted in traffic represents an hour off the shelf life of these goods.
In addition to this, they have also been put in a position such that even when they are clear of the chaotic scenes at the Dartford Crossing, they can no longer continue driving to try and make up time because legally they have to take a break after being at the wheel (regardless of whether they are at a standstill) every four and a half hours.
Having lorries and all traffic stop and start over such an extended period of time is certainly not helping the carbon emissions agenda. And for a campaign group that wants to put a stop to the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels, it is somewhat ironic that the protest has resulted in even more fuel being used as drivers trying to find alternative routes add unnecessary miles to their journey.
Throughout Covid, those carrying priority goods such as food and drink, were hailed as essential workers in recognition of the importance of maintaining a seamless supply of goods to the supermarkets.
So, whilst our drivers were able to navigate their way through a pandemic, the despicable actions of these protestors has literally stopped them in their tracks, exposing supermarkets and their customers to potential shortages – whilst the producers whose freight we are carrying are looking at the grave possibility of delivering a consignment which is deemed to be unfit for consumption.
And let’s not forget the extra work load this has inflicted on the emergency services, who are already under ridiculous pressure. By having to deal with the selfish behaviour of individuals climbing the masts at the bridge, the police, ambulance, and fire brigade may be unable to reach those who find themselves in genuine need of their support.
The logistics industry has been through enough. Covid. Brexit. Changes in cabotage rules. And now this. Our drivers are at breaking point but you don’t see them protesting.”
