Transfrigoroute UK (TUK) has urged its members to take a proactive stance against the threat of increased costs as a result of both the working time directive and congestion charge.

With respect to the working time directive, the organisation's members anticipate a 20-30 per cent additional need for drivers, a rise in costs of 30-40 per cent through an expected hike in driver pay rates and a nine to 12 per cent increase in the rate structure.

Recruitment problems and even a lowering of standards are also possible outcomes. TUK believe that operators should take a pro-active stance by anticipating changes now and looking for partnerships arrangements and flexible driver arrangements. Additionally, operators could look at driver training to help overcome the increased pressure on drivers' time and abilities.

With regards to the cost increases businesses will occur from the congestion charge, the company believes that a special dispensation should be made due to the fact that it is not feasible to alter delivery times in line with traffic peaks and troughs.

TUK is therefore calling for its members who are affected in this way to contact the organisation with an estimation of how they think the charges will affect their business.

For further information contact Vanessa Gray at vanessa@transfrigoroute.co.uk