"Currently, there is an average of 24 pence per litre difference in fuel duty", said RHA Chief Executive Roger King. "We expressed concern over recent comments that the Conservative Party were considering the re-introduction of the fuel duty escalator, but have now been reassured that the Party is mindful of the difficulties facing the road haulage sector regarding fuel pricing and Chris Grayling's proposal on the introduction of lorry charges to compensate for fuel duty reductions is indeed welcomed.

"However, the present Government attempted this with the Lorry Road User Charge. That failed on the basis of complexity, cost and the fact that road pricing for all was on the agenda. We would want to talk with the Conservative Party about how their proposals will get round these difficulties and how we truly can achieve a level playing field with the rest of Europe.

"The Conservative Party's attitude is very encouraging but there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done".