PRESSURES from two different directions are combining to paint an alarming picture for the road transport industry in 2005.
The application of the working time directive to transport in March will, as confirmed by the Government's own figures, cost more than £1 billion and a loss of productivity of almost ten per cent.
These operational and cost problems are compounded by the increases we have seen in world oil prices. Since January the cost of fuel for a maximum weight 44-tonne articulated lorry has risen by almost £1,900 to £29,225 a year.
There is clearly more pain to come as the higher prices filter through.
Our economy and our consumer comfort depend on an efficient and economic road transport industry and we are fortunate that UK expertise in this area is a world leader.
But, given that if you've got it then it has almost certainly been on a truck, we all face paying more.
Malcolm Bingham,
Regional policy manager, Yorkshire & Humber
Freight Transport Association,
Low Lane,
Horsforth, Leeds.
Updated: 11:19 Wednesday, September 08, 2004
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