UK international road transport remains in the doldrums, while the number of foreign vehicles operating on UK roads continues to rise remorselessly.

Government figures for the period April to June 2002, show that foreign vehicles constitute over 70 per cent of all lorries crossing the Channel, while the UK share has fallen to 28 per cent. By contrast in 1996, just six years ago, UK vehicles had 52 per cent against 48 per cent foreign vehicles.

The Freight Transport Association says that these figures track the continuing difficulties of UK international lorry operation and the boom being experienced by European hauliers trading with the UK.

FTA Head of External Affairs Geoff Dossetter said: “The international trade situation, and the strength of sterling, has drawn imports into the UK carried by European hauliers.

“Their availability at cheaper return prices to Europe has impacted on market rates to the disadvantage of UK haulage. There appears to be no let up in this trend at present.

“The result is that the number of foreign vehicles operating on UK roads continues to rise.”