The RHA has been granted a Collective Proceedings Order (CPO) and given the go ahead by the Competition Appeal Tribunal to seek compensation for operators (including the 18,000+ already signed up) after truck manufacturers were found to have broken competition rules.
Commenting, RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith said:
"This is great news as the CPO is the legal instrument that permits us to move forward and seek to secure the compensation operators have long awaited. During a recent hearing one of the manufacturers – DAF – indicated that they wish to settle. It may therefore be possible to conclude the claim before long, although this requires agreement between the parties.
"It's been a long journey since we launched the claim for compensation in 2018.
“It came after truck manufacturers were found to have colluded together fixing prices and delaying the introduction of more fuel-efficient emissions technologies over 14 years, so we decided to try and right those wrongs and secure the recompense operators deserve.
"We’ve seen off rival cartel claims and navigated many frustrating legal hurdles over the last six years. Most recently we had to satisfy a Court of Appeal ruling that said we couldn’t represent the interests of operators who purchased and leased new and used trucks.
"Today marks a significant landmark and I’d like to thank those who have registered for their patience and perseverance with us over this long journey together."
