The boss of a Gloucestershire haulage firm says it is not receiving the support it needs to survive.

Moreton Cullimore, managing director of Frampton-on-Severn company The Cullimore Group, has criticised the return of congestion charges and tariffs.

He also says closing roads to vehicles to encourage cycling in urban areas will have a detrimental impact on the 'already vulnerable' haulage sector and the wider UK economy.

Mr Cullimore, a member of the Road Haulage Association national board and regional chair of its Bristol and Gloucestershire sub-group, said: "I am disappointed that plans to increase tariffs and congestion charges are even being discussed at a time when haulage needs help the most. Lockdown might be easing, but there’s still a long way to go.

“Our industry, which has been at the forefront of keeping goods moving around the country, has been hit hard by the pandemic, yet we are not receiving the support we need to survive. Without haulage, our economy will be devastated.

“Larger firms may well have enough cash in the bank to pay the additional charges, but smaller, regional firms will struggle. I understand the need to reduce congestion in our communities, but forcing lorries off the roads is not the answer.

"Pollution levels have dropped significantly during lockdown despite 50 per cent of trucks continuing to operate, meaning that the sheer volume of cars is causing pollution issues, not trucks and lorries.”

Throughout lockdown Mr Cullimore has called for the haulage industry's contribution to the economy to be recognised.