NOW that the General Election is over, the new government must firmly commit itself to improving our national transport operations for the movement of both people and freight.

It was sad and significant that transport played such a small role in the election, once again reflecting that we tend to take for granted the efficient, reliable and prompt delivery of goods.

The plain fact is that for the vast majority of items, 'if you've got it, then it's been on the back of a lorry', and possibly on a freight train.

What we must ensure for the future is that in our increasingly congested road and rail network, we dedicate sufficient funding and planning to ensure that UK industry can continue to deliver the goods on time, safe and sound and without the dead loss waste of time and money created by clogged up roads or rail tracks.

The new government must recognise the needs of industry and plan for smart freight operations rather than measures to inhibit them.

We need positive planning for lorries, not negative. After all, on the roads, where there are 60 cars for every truck, it is not freight that causes congestion, it is cars.

For the benefit of us all, the government must recognise the essential needs for good freight transport operations and provide for them.

STEPHEN KELLY,

Freight Transport Association,

Cubbington, Leamington Spa

Warwickshire.