Current Issues

The Road Transport Directive

EU inspired legislation which affects all road transport operators and is the forerunner to the Working Time Directive. As quarries are almost entirely dependent on road haulage and our freight is less valuable than most other industries this legislation will cause major problems unless it can be overturned.

The Working Time Directive

The BAA is strongly opposed to this legislation as it will cause staffing problems, cripple the haulage industry and drive up imports.

Planning Reforms

BAA are actively involved with ODPM, Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly over plans to update and improve the planning process. We are concerned that the system and process is cumbersome, over-long and increasingly time-consuming and costly, particularly for SMEs - and that there are ever-increasing obstacles to both access to mineral resources and the ability to provide these essential materials to society.

The Quarry Regulations and Competent Managers

The key to safe and efficient sites is competency and effective supervision. The BAA has therefore helped to develop training courses specifically tailored for independent operators. Because of the diverse nature of the industry, a one cap fits all assurance scheme is not possible and competency should be ascertained either by the appropriate level of NVQ or by ongoing practical career assessments.

Aggregates Levy (AGL)

The association still has an appeal pending against the legality of the levy in the European Court of First Instance and it is clear that the AGL has failed to fulfil the requirements for it to be classified as an "Eco" tax. The BAA has successfully achieved rebates, often backdated, for its members on such things as moisture contents, asphalt fillers and geological exemptions.

Waste Incineration Directive

EU legislation which could prevent the use of recovered fuel oil as an alternative to virgin gas oil in heating stone for asphalt.