The RHA is delighted that the next administration will be a majority government.

Commenting, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “With one party forming a government we look forward to forging clearer and closer relationships with ministers and officials. In December 2014 George Osborne recognised the acute nature of the driver shortage and confirmed his understanding of the problem during an election campaign visit to an RHA member.

“Without the targeted funding that is so desperately needed to alleviate this major issue, the future of the UK haulage industry will be seriously compromised and the subsequent effects on the economy unthinkable. We now demand that the new Government puts its money where its mouth is and puts the issue at the top of its priority list.”

“The new government must also recognise, in its policies and actions, that the road transport industry is an essential enabler of growth and the job creation needed to eliminate the public spending deficit.  It must support the industry, and therefore the UK economy, with appropriate tax policies, road investment and regulation. We still have by far the highest level of fuel duty in the EU. It is a heavy tax on business, pushes up the price of everything we buy, undermines competitiveness and holds back our haulage industry. It must not be increased in this parliament. Our congested roads desperately need investment and the current spending plan for England is the minimum level needed to sustain the economy.”