Foreign haulage firms that frequently break rules on driver hours, road worthiness and load should be named and shamed, according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The FTA wants the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to publish a list of repeat offenders.

It argues that such a move would encourage firms to clean up their acts and provide useful information for British companies employing foreign hauliers.

"Lower fuel costs and slack maintenance standards mean that foreign lorries constitute unfair competition to the UK transport industry," said Geoff Dossetter, the FTA's director of external affairs.

"But, more importantly, they present a serious road safety problem."

The FTA has bemoaned the government's failure to introduce charges for foreign hauliers using British roads and roadside fines for those breeching regulations.

Demand remains strong for large vehicles such as coaches and buses, according to the latest figures.The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that new registrations had been bette...

Taxi companies across London are investing in a new generation of vehicles.Demand for 08-registered TX4 cabs has been bullish over the last three months, despite concerns about the economy.Taxi firms ...

The motor industry has been warned about the impact of new legislation that could see bosses face criminal prosecution for health and safety breaches.The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide ...