The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is aware that some operators have received an email from DAF encouraging them not to opt in to the RHA’s claim.
Commenting on this, RHA MD Richard Smith said:
“The email from DAF is misleading and appears to be another attempt to place obstacles in the way of operators obtaining compensation, as they have done all the way through this case.
DAF suggests that the RHA’s claim is not in the interests of operators but has not provided any details of what could happen in the event that operators do not opt in to the claim. If you do not opt in, your claim against DAF is likely to be out of time and this could leave operators in a position where they are unable to obtain any compensation.
“The RHA’s funding and insurance arrangements have been considered and approved by the Competition Appeal Tribunal, confirming that it is in the interests of claimants for the RHA to proceed with this claim on behalf of the industry. The RHA considers the total compensation could be around £2 billion and if this is the case, claimants will receive the vast majority of the compensation paid.”
Commenting further, Smith added:
“We have said all along that one of the important benefits of its claim is that it will place operators in a much better bargaining position to obtain the full compensation they deserve. DAF is only one of the defendants to the claim and operators must opt in to preserve their claim against all the major truck manufacturers.”
The RHA will soon be sharing further details of how to opt in and would encourage operators, having read the relevant materials, to opt in at the earliest opportunity to ensure they have the best chance of obtaining the full compensation they deserve.
If you have any questions, please contact us at truckcartel@rha.uk.net
