We know, of course, that trucks are the lifeblood of the country's economy, but here's the proof: the DfT says that trucks move 68% of freight in the UK - against 8% for rail and 20% for water. But don't think that truck operators are vehemently anti-rail - far from it: Glasgow-based haulier John G Russell will be among the firms using the new International Rail Park terminal at Telford.

There's yet another overseas driver in trouble in the UK: this time a Hungarian driver who has received a four-month sentence for tacho offences.

Two truck operators are claiming that an on-board hydrogen generator is saving them up to 10% of their fuel. I am extremely sceptical of such devices as a rule:as an (ex-)engineer, I simply cannot see how they work without violating a fundamental physical law or two (I recommend you read this page). But if fitting a device like this means that operators and drivers are paying close attention to their fuel consumption, then I suppose it has done its job - so what if the improvements are simply down to the driver using a little less right foot?

In the current economic climate, this appeal from the Government in 1942 has a certain resonance: "Britain needs your lorries!" And Britain could have done with this snowplough last week. But what is it, exactly?