Much concern has been raised by UK hauliers about the future of their industry. These figures demonstrate that there is substance to their concerns. UK hauliers say they have to pay fuel tax, road tax as well as tolls while travelling overseas. Meanwhile they point to how non UK registered lorries are often able to fill up overseas and use the UK's roads for free.
There is nothing wrong with free markets and open competition. Yet competition must be fair and take place on a level playing field. Ideas have been advanced for lorry road tolls, BritDiscs, fuel duty rebates and pollution congestion charges. Haulage is an important part of our transport economy - whichever method is chosen needs to level things up.