FTA says that the Inquiry has made a number of very welcome conclusions and recommendations. Gavin Scott, FTA's Head of Policy for Scotland said, "The Inquiry has highlighted a number of interesting and important matters which relate to the economic and efficient operation of freight transport in Scotland. Over the course of the coming months and years we look forward to improvements in those operations, to the benefit of both freight operators and Scottish industry."

Mr Scott said that it was very appropriate for the Inquiry to seek to research a better understanding of the nature and extent of the operation of foreign vehicles in Scotland. He said, "FTA has called for foreign vehicles to supply key information regarding their ownership and condition before they enter the UK. This would allow the enforcement agencies to more effectively target their work towards potential offenders. Although they can call up comprehensive information on UK vehicles at the press of a button, virtually nothing is known about foreign vehicles."

Other key matters from the Inquiry welcomed by FTA include:

• The recommendation to commission a cost benefit analysis of an increase in lorry speed limits on strategic single carriageway roads.
• Further capacity will have to be added to key links in the network to relieve congestion and in the longer term road pricing may also be used to manage road space in a way that prioritises the movement of freight.
• The Scottish Executive should encourage local authorities and Regional Transport Partnerships to review existing restrictions on night delivery and consider their relaxation. It should also work with trade associations to develop a best practice guide for night-time deliveries in Scottish towns and cities.
• Provision of better roadside facilities for freight drivers.
• If the schemes currently funded by the Scottish Road Haulage Modernisation Fund can be shown to be yielding significant savings in fuel efficiency, the fund should be extended and expanded.
• The Scottish Executive should investigate the operation of 'non-car' lanes to consider if they might benefit the freight industry and relieve congestion.