MP Siobhan Baillie visited two Stroud-based transport companies to discuss how they responded to the coronavirus and kept the lorries running.

She met with Moreton Cullimore, managing director of the Cullimore Group, near Frampton, and Jamie Hartles, chief executive of Howard Tenens in Thrupp.

The transport businessmen said more truck stops are needed across the country and the cost of new technology and new lorries has increased substantially over the last few years.

“Many thanks to both these companies for allowing me to visit and for all they have done to ensure we have been supplied with all the essentials this year,” said Siobhan.

“I am very happy to be champion for this important industry, which I think does not always get the credit it deserves. Both Cullimore and Howard Tenens are meeting big challenges both around the pandemic and on becoming greener to cut emissions in road transport.”

Mr Hartles, whose company employs 780 people in the UK, said the government needs to assist with strategic policies so the industry can adapt confidently to achieve long lasting green changes.

Mrs Baillie will raise the companies' concerns with ministers, she said, including their desire to employ more drivers and apprentices, raise awareness of the industry, and the costs of cutting emissions.

“We take all the things we see in the shops for granted but they are delivered by superb local transportation and logistics companies, often at unsocial hours, so produce is fresh and items are on time. They do this 365 days a year and deserve our thanks,” said the MP.