Cutting costs, improving efficiency and a focus on education are key to long term sustainability, according to a survey conducted on behalf of the Commercial Vehicle Forum 2012.
The survey found that 72 per cent of general respondents and 67 per cent of those involved in the transport industry agreed that commercial vehicles should be used more efficiently to lower carbon emissions and ensure the ongoing profitability of the sector.
The survey was undertaken for the Commercial Vehicle Forum 2012, which will take place at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London on 15 November.
While the majority of the general public think that consolidating trips would be the most efficient way forward (37 per cent), transport professionals believe in introducing longer trucks (39 per cent) and developing more efficient engines (37 per cent).
While the greatest concern for the future within the transport industry remains the cost of fuel (48 per cent) and maintaining profitability (31 per cent), many transport professionals are also concerned that a poor perception of the industry has led to difficulties in recruiting staff (19 per cent).
58 per cent of those surveyed consider that introducing more apprenticeships would be valuable in terms of generating the technological advances needed to increase the efficiency of the sector.
RHA chief executive Geoff Dunning said: “The UK is under great pressure to play its part in responding to climate change and the road freight sector is under particular scrutiny by Government. Reducing CO2 goes hand in hand with saving fuel, so operators are doing what they can to reduce both costs and emissions. Beyond that, there is no doubt that alternative fuels will play a key part in the process”.
