THE chief executive of the Kent-based Freight Transport Association has hit out at European rules which threaten to increase congestion on the roads. Richard Turner, said: "Everyone in Britain knows that congestion is a major problem for the travelling public and it is a serious concern for lorry operators, too. Everyone that is, apart from the European Parliament.

"MEPs are determined to make congestion worse by pushing 200,000 more trucks on to BritainÕs roads during peak times - particularly 7am.". Mr Turner was responding to the prospect of the introduction of EuropeÕs Working Directive into the road transport sector. The directive originated from the Commission and Council of Ministers but the European Parliament now wants a crucial element changed so that night driving is reduced to eight hours. This will mean more trucks will be on the roads during daylight hours and peak times.

The FTA estimates that 200,000 lorries a day start early in the morning - as early as 4am - in order to get their journeys on busy roads out of the way before congestion sets in. If they cannot start as early as this, the 200,000 trucks will have to start at 7am and fight for road space with commuters and the school run.

The general effect of the directive in its current form will mean that lorry companies are likely to need a further 40,000 more vehicles, he claimed. "Lorry operators and the public, don't want more lorries getting snarled up in congestion. The reason that so many trucks run at night is because this is the least busy time of the day. Pushing trucks into peak times will only serve to make the current congestion crisis worse," he added.