A proposed European Union clampdown could be the final straw for a road haulage industry which is already buckling under pressure.

Rocketing diesel prices and driver shortages are already crippling hard-pressed Essex hauliers, they claimed today (Tuesday).

Now, new directives - the Working Time Directive and the Compulsory Training Directive - are designed to make sure lorry drivers do not work excessive hours and are properly trained before hitting the road.

But there are fears that when they come into force in 2004, they could spell disaster for an industry already struggling with a lack of drivers, making it necessary to recruit even more.

David Orrell, eastern area manager for the Road Haulage Association, said: "There is a shortage of drivers in the industry and restricted working hours and the added training requirements will create a need for even more.

"Certainly they will make the industry more professional but we think they've gone over the top. Some companies will cope but it could push others over the edge."

Richard Horsfall, managing director of Unitruc European Logistics in Shoebury, agreed: "The driver shortage is terrible anyway, this will just make it worse. Somebody, somewhere has not thought this through properly."

Driver dilemma - Richard Horsfall believes the new directives will make life difficult for hauliers

Picture: ANDREW BELFORD

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.