Strike action to cause port chaos

Workers at the UK’s largest container port are set to stage an eight-day strike, threatening Christmas stock chaos for wholesalers and dealers alike. The action compounds delays in freight deliveries following the disruption of Brexit and the Covid pandemic over the last few years.

More than 1900 Felixstowe workers are set to strike from 27 September until the 5 October after a majority of workers rejected a refreshed 7% pay offer.

The industrial action will coincide with a two-week walkout by workers at the Port of Liverpool from 22 September in an additional pay dispute.

A spokesman for the Port of Felixstowe said: “The collective bargaining process has been exhausted and there is no prospect of agreement being reached with the union.”

Felixstowe handles almost half of all container freight entering the UK, with 17 shipping lines operating to and from 700 ports around the world, so repercussions will be felt right across supply chains.

MAG fights to keep exemption from Oxford traffic bans

Oxford is amongst the most congested urban areas in England, and the local council has unveiled a series of steps to combat it – including a new ‘traffic filter’ scheme. This uses ANPR number plate cameras and fines to stop private cars driving into six areas of the city centre between 7am and 7pm without a permit. Motorcycles and mopeds are exempt, alongside buses, taxis, delivery vans and trucks and emergency vehicles.

But the Motorcycle Action Group claims some councillors and pressure groups are attempting to remove the exemption for motorbikes, and is urging locals to take part in the consultation on the trial (letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/traffic-filters-2022).

“We will be submitting a formal response from MAG HQ,” said a spokesperson. “But as always, a clear demonstration by large numbers of riders responding will be key to success.”

Look out for stolen Rukka clothing

TRANAM, THE UK IMPORTER OF RUKKA CLOTHING, is appealing for help in locating a consignment of goods stolen from a lorry in Hampshire.

During the evening of Wednesday 7 and the morning of Thursday 8 September, a truck carrying the latest shipment of Rukka motorcycle garments was broken into at Fleet Services, Hampshire.

TranAm has asked dealers to be vigilant, and if offered any Rukka garments by anyone outside of the usual channels, to get in touch with the firm on 01425 620580 or info@tranam.co.uk.