People calling for restrictions on heavy goods vehicles on our roads, in order to give priority to motorists, are living in cloud cookoo land.

If HGVs were restricted to outside peak times, or if lane restrictions were imposed on major roads, how would small businesses get their products out on time?

They rely on the logistics companies to get their products to distribution centres and end users.

Name me one single product you use at home or work which hasn’t travelled by road at some point – nappies for your kids, food, clothing, milk you drink in the morning, pet food, stationery, newspapers, fuel...

This country would come to a standstill, if restrictions like these were imposed. No one thinks about the overtime that would have to be paid, the increased fuel usage, or the delays getting the products from the manufacturer to the end user or transport hub.

Most deliveries are done early in the morning. Most collections of products are done around 4pm to 5pm, just before the smaller businesses are closing. Or are they expected to wait until 7pm or 8pm, meaning increased time and money?

Giving priority to motorists won’t solve the problem. What needs to be addressed is the standard of driving in Essex.

As an HGV driver and former driving instructor, I believe we have some of the worst drivers in the country.

They have no idea of lane discipline, hazard awareness, sliproads etc.

Something should be done about the standard of instruction and police should actually do what they’re paid for and get out there on the roads and do their jobs. My payment via council tax to Essex Police has gone up by 3 per cent since last year and what for?

You never see them on the road.

The number of people driving around with one headlight, no taillights and driving dangerously, cutting up HGVs, is ridiculous.

Cars drivers want to get home for tea, but if they actually planned their journey as we HGV drivers do, they might get where they want to go in time.

Danny Francis
Gilberd Road
Colchester