A SHORTAGE of truckers is threatening the haulage industry's future, according to the Freight Transport Association.

The FTA, which is based in Tunbridge Wells and has members across Medway, Kent and beyond, says haulage firms need to recruit 80,000 new drivers over the next two years. This is on top of the number of drivers needed to replace natural staff turnover.

The FTA calls on the Government for better targeting of funding for transport training but admits that the answer to the crisis lies with the industry itself. That means better pay and conditions but adds that pay alone is not the answer.

FTA president Chas Lawrence said: "The vital role that transport plays in society has been misunderstood by the public and undersold to all types of potential employees school leavers, graduates and career changers.

"Improving our relations with these groups and building respect for the professional lorry driver are fundamental to solving industry's workforce problems."

The FTA says there is also a skills crisis in the industry and urges the introduction of a driver skills passport, improving road-side and overnight facilities and boosting respect for drivers as "vital, safe and reliable."