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The UK has the highest truck operating costs in Europe - with the exception of the Netherlands, according to research by NERA Economic Consulting for the FTA. The report, Freight Truck Operating Costs in Europe, also confirms that the UK pays the most for its diesel. MT has seen a draft copy of the report, which sets the cost of running a 40-tonne artic in the UK as a notional index score of 100 the Netherlands scores 101.

Italy, Germany, Ireland and France score in the 90s, while the lowest  scores are found towards eastern Europe: the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary. Transport businesses in the UK pay the most for diesel Spain, Belgium and Poland pay more than a quarter less. The UK also pays the most for VED for a 40-tonner (£1,850), with only the Czech Republic, Ireland and the Netherlands paying more than £1,000 all other countries in the report pay less than that.

The FTA will use the findings as part of its on-going campaign against the Treasury. As MT went to press on Tuesday, it remained unclear whether the Chancellor would go ahead with the planned 2p/litre increase in duty. At least two national newspapers have predicted that the increase will be deferred. However, Motor Transport has received a letter from exchequer secretary to the Treasury Angela Eagle that shows no signs of the government softening its stance on fuel duty. Go to Roadtransport.com for the latest industry reaction  to the Budget.