A survey of 150 MPs by polling firm ComRes, ahead of this week's Budget (18 March 2015) finds that 60% of MPs support the call for grants for UK residents, rather than bringing in drivers from overseas.
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett is asking George Osborne for targeted, time-limited funding to enable hauliers to get new drivers licensed and qualified to work.
"This is a hugely significant result, given that MPs from all sides know the pressure on public finances," comments Burnett.
"It also shows a keen awareness of the importance of road haulage as a key service industry on which the UK economy depends," he adds.
Burnett makes the point that the transport industry has making an urgent case for firms to get funding to reverse a worsening driver shortage.
"The Chancellor now has a huge opportunity on March 18 to help get the industry moving in the right direction – this survey shows that the majority of MPs agree with that."