Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar put his driving skills to the test last week when he visited a haulage company in his constituency and got behind the wheel of one of their trucks.
Accompanied by Vale of Clwyd MS Gareth Davies, Darren spent time at L E Jones in Ruthin on Friday. They are one of the largest independent haulage companies in the North West, and a leading employer in North Wales.
The visit came about following a Welsh Road Haulage Association’s (RHA) event in the Senedd last year.
The RHA Senedd event gave operators a platform to talk to the Government and other decision makers about key industry issues including driver facilities, decarbonisation, investment in roads and infrastructure and operating costs.
At last week’s meeting the discussions continued, and Darren and Gareth found out more about the challenges facing the company, which was established in 1975.
Since it was set up, the business has experienced continue growth and expansion, which led to it moving to its current purpose built site at Brickfield Lane, on Denbigh Road, in 1992.
Speaking after his visit, Darren said:
“L E Jones have been going from strength to strength since they were established 50 years ago and are now a leading employer in North Wales.
“It was a pleasure to visit them at their site on Brickfield Lane in Ruthin and to meet Rhys and some of the team.
“I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of their trucks, Elsa, and to get a taste of just how challenging it can be to manage such a vast vehicle. Fortunately, all went well and the truck and I are still intact!
“The haulage industry is facing a number of challenges, and it was good to have an opportunity to hear firsthand how these are impacting this local business. They are facing uncertain times at the moment with a change of government. The increase in National Insurance costs and uncertainty about road fund duties is certainly cause for concern.
“We need this industry, we all rely on it every single day and during our visit I assured L E Jones management and staff that they will have our continued support. They are doing fantastic work and wish them well with their future endeavours.”
Gareth Davies MS added:
“I was extremely impressed with the site at Ruthin and it was interesting to learn more about the company’s journey since its establishment back in 1975.
“They have certainly come a long way since then and I applaud them for all they have achieved and for all they are doing to support the local economy.
“I thank them for inviting us to visit and wish them continued success.”