News

Conservative MP Daniel Kawczynski has called on the government to charge foreign trucks to use the UK's roads after meeting hauliers in his constituency.

Kawczynski, who represents Shrewsbury and Atcham, says local hauliers are on their knees and cannot compete with cheap foreign competition.

"The government may say that it is expensive to charge foreign trucks, but it is totally wrong. It would be simple."

He points out that other countries do it and highlights Switzerland, which makes foreign trucks pay a levy when they cross the national border.

"That's what I'm calling for and it would be extremely easy to charge a levy at all the ports to foreign trucks coming into the UK."

Kawczynski adds that if nothing is done to support UK hauliers, the whole industry will collapse within three years.

"The government has to be challenged on this," he concludes.

If you would be interested in meeting MPs to discuss the pressures facing UK hauliers, please e-mail roanna.avison@rbi.co.uk