A survey of Yorkshire hauliers and logistics companies has painted a grim view of the future amid legislation, fuel duty hikes and EU competition.

According to the survey, by Yorkshire accountants Garbutt & Elliott, 62 per cent of respondents said they feared the growing burden of Government red tape, fuel tax and ever increasing EU competition were of major concern to the industry.

Garbutt & Elliott surveyed 200 firms in the region, with 60 responding.

Jeremy Oliver, a director at the firm, said: "It is not surprising that the region's logistics businesses are suffering pressure from EU competition. It is estimated that foreign lorries constitute one in seven of the heaviest vehicles on our roads."

A total of 30 per cent of respondents cited their main goal as survival in the current market. Mr Oliver said: "Rising interest rates, lack of investment in the road infrastructure, and the Working Time Directive restricting drivers' hours are also increasing the strain on the region's hauliers and the UK sector as a whole."

However, the picture was not all gloomy, according to Mr Oliver.

"The potential to operate successfully in the UK market still exists through implementing such measures as partnership type arrangements with customers, offering high service levels and maintaining tight cost control," he said.

Although agreeing with many of the survey's findings the Bradford branch of the Road Haulage Association said it had been unaware of it having been conducted. None of its members had raised the issue with it, it said.

Malcolm Dodds, RHA Area Manager, said: "We have had no feedback on this survey from our members but from what the Telegraph & Argus has told me the findings relate to long-term ongoing issues.

"Foreign operators are a big issue. Many hauliers here are losing out at the moment and we are seeing an increase in overseas operators. It can be very frustrating for UK operators. When they go abroad they have to pay to use the roads there."

He said fuel duty was higher here than anywhere else in the EU.