A survey of lorry operators has revealed the need to reduce fuel duty is the top policy priority looked for by the road transport industry.

The Freight Transport Association, which conducted the survey in late July, also revealed 98 percent of respondents thought fuel duty for trucks should be brought in line with Irish and continental levels.

Current prices reached 75.5p per litre (ex VAT) for bulk deliveries, an increase of 8p in the last twelve months.

“Typically, these extra costs mean an increase in the annual operating cost of a 40 tonne vehicle of over £3,200. This increase alone is enough to wipe out the profit margin for the average hauler,” said FTA chief economist Simon Chapman.

The second priority reported was the need to retain the current flexibility provided in the operating regulations in the Working Time Directive, which restricts drivers to a 48-hour week. Respondents targeted attracting new drivers into the industry as their third priority.

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