RHA says Working Time Directive is too costly

The Working Time Directive For Mobile Workers will plunge the haulage industry in Britain into further crisis, according to the industry's largest representative association.

The Road Haulage Association has released the details of a specially commissioned report, which reveals the full costs of implementing the new EU directive.

Prepared in conjunction with the Centre for Economic Business Research (CEBR), the study shows the cost implications of signing up to what the RHA describes as "one fits all" social legislation.

The key finding of the report are:
* At least 60,600 additional drivers will be required
* Operational costs will increase by £3.8 billion
* Hourly wages will rise
* Congestion will further increase costs
* Costs will have to be passed on
* Vehicle number will increase by two or three per cent